Polyethylene Glycols

Polyethylene glycol or abbreviated as PEG is a polyether chemical compound. It is formed by the addition of ethylene oxide to ethylene glycol or diethylene glycol.

Most Polyethylene glycols differ only in their molecular weights, hydroxyl numbers and viscosity profiles. Polyethylene glycols are named based on the number of units of ethylene glycol, or on their molecular weights.

Low molecular weight Polyethylene glycols are in the liquid state while higher molecular Polyethylene glycols exist as waxy solids. Pharmaceutical and cosmetics use Polyethylene glycols with smaller molecular weights. The lower the molecular weight, it helps the active compounds to penetrate the skin. In cosmetic application, Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) can function in three different ways: as emollients which helps to soften and lubricate the skin; as emulsifiers which help mix water- and oil-based ingredients thoroughly, and as delivery vehicles that help transport other ingredients deeper into the skin.

Polyethylene glycols or Polyethylene glycols are used in drug delivery systems because they are neutral, nontoxic, and water soluble and can form micelles which are biocompatible and biodegradable.

Polyethylene Glycol 200

Polyethylene glycol 200 (Polyethylene glycol 200) is a colorless, non-volatile, hygroscopic liquid. It is soluble in water, and organic solvents like acetone, alcohol, benzene, and other glycols. Due to it low molecular weight and properties Polyethylene glycols-200 has a wide range of potential uses. Polyethylene glycols 200 is used as a defoaming agent, lubricant and viscosity modifier in many different products. Polyethylene glycols-200 is used as a coating for fresh fruit to preserve their freshness, as a solvent in metal working fluids, heat transfer fluids, as a binder and modifier in latex paints, and as a humectant in inks and abrasives. Polyethylene glycols 200 also finds use in formulations of resins, adhesives, as antistatic agent, in chemical intermediates, release agent and plasticizers. Specific industries like agriculture, cosmetics, detergents, health and medicine, textiles also rely on Polyethylene glycol 200 for its emulsifying property.

Polyethylene Glycol 1500

Polyethylene Glycol 1500 1500 with a hydroxyl number of 70-85 mg KOH/g typically exists as white to off white flaky solid with approx. mol weight of 1300-1600. The solubility of a 5% solution is clear and colourless, and hence find use in cosmetic and drug delivery applications.

Polyethylene Glycol 4000

Polyethylene glycol 4000 (commonly refered to as Polyethylene glycol 4000) typically exists as white to off white flaky solid with a hydroxyl number of 28-36 mg KOH/g and approx. mol weight of 3100-4010. The solubility of a 5% solution is clear and colourless. These Polyethylene glycols polymers are used in a wide variety of products including bath products, shaving products, skin care products, makeup, skin cleansing products, shampoo, hair conditioners and deodorants. Esteem Industries manufactures technical grade while its subsidiary Avesta Pharma manufactures PEG/Macrogol 4000 for supply to European markets.

Polyethylene Glycol 6000

PEG 6000 (CAS No. 25322-68-3) is a derivative of Polyethylene glycol having white to off white color and available in solid flakes or powder form. The melting range for Polyethylene glycols 6000 is between 58-63 oC and the average molecular weight can be within 5000-7000. Due to its lamellar structure, it may find use in pharmaceutical production of pills and tablets as binder or dry lubricant. Polyethylene glycols-6000 also finds use in enbalming of histological and other medical specimens when dissolved in lower glycols in place of paraffin wax. In cosmetics, Polyethylene glycol 6000 due to its binding property finds use in facial makeup and as wetting agents to inhibit soap cracking. The non-ionic property of Polyethylene glycol 6000 can facilitate the even distribution of electrolytes in galvanic baths for copper & nickel electroplating of steel and iron parts when added as a component. It can also function as anti-dusting agent for after-bath talcum powder, lubricant in paper industry, as a tyre mounting agent , as an additive in grease , as plasticiser in synthetic resin , as enhancer of thermal stability in adhesive preparations. In the rubber industry Polyethylene glycol 6000 at loading of 3-20% may function as mold release agent.

Polyethylene Glycol 8000

PEG 8000 (CAS No. 25322-68-3) is a Polyethylene glycol having white to off white color and available in solid flakes or powder form. Its high molecular weight mainly prompts its use in pharmaceutical formulations as solvent for oral, topical and parenteral preparations. The high molecular weight Polyethylene glycol 8000 is soluble in water and organic solvents such as alcohols. It can blend with other PEG molecular weights to achieve the desired viscosity properties. Polyethylene glycol 8000 is quite stable and does not support microbial growth, even in aqueous solutions.