What is polyethylene glycol?
This material is a crystalline and thermoplastic polyether compound, also known as polyethylene oxide, polyoxyethylene and POE. It is in the family of linear polymers and the molecular weight of this material varies from 200 to several million, which is related to the number of ethylene oxide groups. Its trade name depends on the length of the polymer chain. It exists in two states, liquid and solid, according to the molecular weight. This material is liquid with a molecular weight of less than 600, while it is solid with a molecular weight of 1000 and above. This compound is non-volatile, water-soluble, tasteless and odorless. It is miscible with water, alcohols, esters, ketones, aromatic solvents and chlorinated hydrocarbons. But it is immiscible with alkanes, paraffins, waxes and ethers. In general, this material is an inert molecule with a high molecular weight. It is used as an excipient in pharmaceutical products, medical applications, as a lubricant coating, skin creams and toothpaste.
What is PEG 600?
PEG 600 is a semi-solid water-soluble material with a molecular weight between 570 and 630. Its density decreases with temperature, from 1125.8 kg/m3 at 20°C to 1093 kg/m3 at 60°C.
What is polyethylene glycol 4000?
This means that the molecular weight of this compound is 4000. It acts as an osmotic agent and increases the water content of the stool; hence it is used as a laxative.
Properties:
PEG is a synthetic chemical compound derived from petroleum. It is a hydrophilic polymer made by reacting ethylene oxide with ethylene glycol or with ethylene glycol oligomers or water. Its formula is H−(O−CH2−CH2)n−OH, where n represents the number of ethylene oxide units. Changing the molecular weight of this material can have minor effects on its properties and affect its physical form and appearance.

This substance is non-toxic, colorless, inert, odorless and non-volatile and is soluble in water and organic solvents such as benzene, carbon tetrachloride and chloroform.
Physical and chemical properties:
| Structural formula |  |
| Chemical formula | C2nH4n+2On+1 |
| CAS NO | 25322-68-3 |
| Specifications Appearance | Depending on the molecular weight, it can be solid or liquid. |
| E Number | E1521 |
| Molar mass | 44.05n + 18.02 g/mol |
| Density | 1.125 |
| Solubility | Soluble in water and solvents Organic |
Production Method:
This material was first produced in 1859. It is produced by the interaction of ethylene oxide with water, producing ethylene glycol or ethylene glycol oligomers. The reaction is catalyzed by acid or base catalysts. Ethylene glycol and its oligomers are preferred as starting materials over water because they allow the formation of polymers with low polydispersity.
HOCH2CH2OH + n(CH2CH2O) → HO(CH2CH2O)n+1H
Depending on the type of catalyst, the polymerization mechanism can be cationic or anionic. The polymerization of ethylene oxide is an exothermic process. Excessive heating or contamination of ethylene oxide with catalysts such as alkali or metal oxides can cause rapid polymerization, which ends in explosion after a few hours. This high molecular weight material is synthesized by suspension polymerization. Catalysts such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide or sodium carbonate are used to prepare low molecular weight polyethylene glycol.
Applications of PEG:
This material is used in various industries due to its many properties. We will discuss its applications below.
Food-grade polyethylene glycol:
This material is used in food grade in the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries.
Use of Polyethylene Glycol in Medicine:
Pharmaceutical grade This material is used as an excipient in many pharmaceutical products, in oral, topical and injectable forms. The reason for this is the non-toxicity and high solubility of this material. Complete bowel lavage with PEG and added electrolytes is used to prepare the bowel before surgery or for constipation in children.
Polyethylene Glycol in the treatment of constipation
Pharmaceutical grade This material is used in the treatment of constipation and is classified as a laxative. Polyethylene Glycol Syrup is a water-soluble substance and is absorbed as a drug in the digestive tract. In general
Other uses:
Other uses of this substance include:
- An antifoaming agent in foods and beverages.
- The basis of many skin creams and personal lubricants.
- Used as a dispersant in some toothpastes.
- Used as a surfactant, emulsifier, cleanser, moisturizer, and skin softener in cosmetics and personal care products.
- Replaces water in wooden objects, making wood dimensionally stable and preventing wood from warping or shrinking when dried.
An additive added to silver halide photographic emulsions.
Global Market:
The global market value of this substance in 2024 was $5102 million and is expected to grow by 5.2% to $6909.6 million by 2030. The main factors driving the market for this compound include its use as a specialty solvent and surfactant in creams and lotions, toothpaste, shampoos, deodorants, fabric softeners, soaps, and detergents. This compound is used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, adhesives, paints, and coatings. The expansion of the paper industry in China and India is expected to increase the demand for this chemical, as it is used as a color stabilizer in the production of paper and ceramics.
Because it is used as a color stabilizer in the production of paper and ceramics. Of course, since it is a hydrophilic compound, it is also used in the manufacture of medicines, and hence the market has been growing. Of course, North America has the second largest share in the world with about 30%. In this area, PEG is used in the cosmetics and food industries.
MSDS and safety tips:
Although this compound is non-toxic, it is necessary to read the relevant safety data sheet before working with it.
- After inhalation, leave the work area and breathe fresh air.
- In case of contact with eyes, remove lenses and rinse the area with plenty of water.
- After contact with skin, change contaminated clothing and wash the area.
- If swallowed, be sure to drink 2 glasses of water and consult a doctor if you feel uncomfortable.
Control the risks of working with this substance by following safety tips.