PEG

The generalized formula

for polyethylene glycol is: H(OCH2
CH2) n OH
N: Average number of repeating ethylene oxide groups.
There are many grades of PEGs that represents them by theirs
average molecular weight. For example, PEG 400 consists of a distribution of polymers of varying molecular weights with an
average of 400, which corresponds to an approximate
average number of repeating EO groups (n) of ≈9.

Polyethylene glycols are available in average molecular weight
ranging from 200 to 8000; this wide range of products provides
flexibility in choosing properties to meet the requirements of
many different applications.

Nomenclature of these products is different.
o CAS * name: ploy ethylene (oxyethylene) glycol.
* Chemical abstracts Society
o IUPAC*name: poly ethylene Glycol
* International Union of Pure & Applied Chemistry
o INCI * Name : PEG -4 , PEG-6 , PEG-8 ,
*International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient
o CTFA name : PEG-4, PEG-6,PEG-8
* Cosmetics, Toiletry & Fragrance Association

Depending on their average molecular weights, the Poly
ethylene glycols may be liquid or solid at STD condition.
PEG grades: 200,300,400,600 in liquid form , PEG 1000 ,1500 soft
solid (white) and PEG 2000,3000,4000,6000,8000 hard solid
(white).

The most important physical property:

Depend on molecular weight the wide range of the physical
property such as solubility , hygroscopic , vapour pressure , melting
or freezing point and viscosity are variable :

A: Solubility
Increasing the molecular weight of PEGs results in decreasing
solubility in water & solvents.
PEGs are also soluble in many polar organic solvents such as
acetone, alcohols.

B: Hygroscopic
PEGs are hygroscopic, it means that they attract and retain
moisture from the atmosphere.
Hygroscopic decrease as molecular weight increases.

C: viscosity
PEGs can be considered Newtonian fluids, so the kinematic
viscosity of PEGs decreases as temperature increases.

D: Stability
PEGs have low volatility and are thermally stable for limited period
of time below 300°c and without o 2

Applications:

• Pharmaceuticals:
PEG grades meet requirements of USP/ NF and BP and
are widely use in pharmaceutical formulations. As solvent,
water soluble, binder, lubricant, plasticizer and use in
ointment base, tablet coating, gelatine capsule, liquid
oral medications.
• Cosmetics:
As the water soluble , odourless , neutral, hygroscopic,
lubricant ,plasticizer, non-volatile , no irritating properties :
The PEGs are used in wide range of cosmetics and
personal care products such as creams , lotions , sticks ,
cakes , powders , jellies.
• Household products:
Soaps, detergents, polishes & cleaners are main
applicant of poly ethylene glycols, because these
products are water soluble & inert, with low volatility and
low toxicity.
• Ceramics and tile:
As the plasticizer, lubricity, binders and carriers properties:
PEGs are widely use in ceramic and tile industry.
• Adhesives and textile:
As the plasticizer, lubricants, softeners, antistatic agents &
conditional agents, PEGs are used in adhesives & textile
industry.

• Other applications:
– Agriculture as water solubility & solubilize for organic insecticides.
– paper , printing and inks as softener, humectants , solvents ,
lubricants & carriers
– Paints & coating as intermediates for alkyd & polyester resins.
• Handling and storage:
PEGs product are only slightly toxic & safe for use in domestic
cleaning products , when handling products, recommended that
use safety goggles, PVC gloves & apron.
In contact: with eye wash with running water for 15 minutes.
With skin wash area with water.
Injection: seek medical.
The PEGs product should be stored in dry, covered area and far
away from sources of heat & ignition.

• Packaging & shelf life:
Liquid form of PEG (200 to 1000) are packed in 220 lit (net: 200 Kg)
drums, each 4 drum stepped of a pallet.
Solid form( up to PEG 1000) packed in Bag ( net : 25 Kg)
The PEG products have shelf life of 24 months from the date of
manufacture & maintained in adequate storage condition.
Shelf life of pharmacy grades is 12 months.