Polyethylene Glycol PEG600
Product Description
Polyethylene Glycol PEG6000
1. Basic Properties and Concept
Chemical Name: Polyethylene Glycol
Identification: The number "6000" following "PEG" represents its average molecular weight. For the PEG series, this number typically denotes the approximate molecular weight. The molecular weight range for PEG6000 is usually between 5,000 and 7,000.
Appearance: White waxy solid or powder (in higher purities).
Solubility: Readily soluble in water and also in many organic solvents such as dichloromethane, ethanol (partially), and acetone. It is insoluble in ether and hydrocarbon solvents.
Characteristics:
Water Solubility: Its molecular chain consists of repeating ethylene oxide units with terminal hydroxyl groups, giving it strong hydrophilic properties.
Inertness: Chemically stable, non-toxic, and non-irritating.
Phase Change: Its aqueous solution can turn from clear to cloudy when heated to a certain temperature, known as the "cloud point," but this characteristic is not significant for PEG6000 as a solid.
Plasticizing Effect: Can blend with other substances to increase their flexibility and plasticity.
2. Primary Uses
Leveraging its unique physical and chemical properties, PEG6000 has wide-ranging applications:
1. Pharmaceutical Industry (Very important and common use)
Pharmaceutical Excipient:
Suppository Base: Commonly used as a base for suppositories; it melts at body temperature to release the drug.
Tablet Binder and Lubricant: In the tablet compression process, it helps bind powders and acts as a lubricant for easy ejection from molds.
Ointment Base: Used as a base for ointments; stable and skin-friendly.
Solubilizing Agent: Helps dissolve poorly soluble drugs in water.
Drug Carrier: Used in solid dispersion technology to enhance the dissolution rate and bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs.
2. Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
Thickener and Base: Used in creams, lotions, toothpaste, shampoo, etc., to adjust product viscosity and texture.
Lubricant and Humectant: Can form a film on the skin surface, providing lubrication and moisture retention.
3. Chemical and Industrial Applications
Dispersing Agent: Used in industries like ceramics and coatings to disperse solid particles and prevent agglomeration.
Plasticizer: Used in materials like ceramics and plaster to increase plasticity before setting.
Metal Processing: Used as a component in cutting fluids and grinding fluids.
Biological Laboratory:
Used in experiments like cell fusion and virus fusion.
Used in protein crystallization as a precipitating agent.
Used to promote phase separation during DNA extraction.
4. Other Fields
In agriculture, it can be used as a dispersant and adherent for pesticides.