Polyethylene glycol dimethyl ether

Polyethylene glycol dimethyl ether (CAS 24991-55-7), commonly abbreviated as PEGDME and known commercially as Selexol, is a series of end-capped polyethylene glycol oligomers.

It functions as a high-boiling polar solvent, plasticizer, and humectant across industrial and consumer formulation markets. In industrial gas treatment, Selexol is the active solvent.

It is used in physical absorption processes for removing CO2, H2S, and other acid gases from natural gas and syngas streams. Personal care formulators use PEGDME as a humectant.

It acts as an emollient carrier in skin creams, hair conditioners, and leave-on treatments where low volatility and skin compatibility are priorities. In polymer processing, it acts as a plasticizer.

It improves flexibility and workability in PVC compounds and adhesive formulations. Cleaning and industrial solvent applications also draw on its capacity to dissolve a broad range of soils.

PEGDME is supplied as a clear liquid, with viscosity and molecular weight varying by grade. Typical commercial grades range from PEGDME 250 to PEGDME 2000, reflecting average molecular weight.

Technical and industrial grades are the most commonly traded. Pharmaceutical-grade material is available for select molecular weight cuts meeting relevant compendial standards.