Polyethylene glycol

Polyethylene glycol (CAS 25322-68-3), commonly abbreviated as PEG and listed as E1521, is a water-soluble polymer available across a broad molecular weight range. Also known as Macrogol 4000 and Macrogol 6000.

Where is Polyethylene glycol used?

• Pharmaceutical manufacturing: tablet binder, film-coating agent, and suppository base, with molecular weight grades selected to control release profiles
• Personal care: viscosity adjuster, spreadability improver, and carrier for active ingredients in creams, lotions, and cleansing products
• Textile and paper processing: fiber lubricant and softening agent that reduces friction during production
• Polymer processing: plasticizer and processing aid that improves flow characteristics in resin compounding and extrusion
• It also functions as a humectant, solvent, plasticizer, and rheology modifier across multiple manufacturing sectors.
• With added electrolytes, used for whole-bowel irrigation as bowel preparation before surgery or colonoscopy.
• An ointment base consists of a liquid and a solid component, and the mixing ratio determines the consistency.
• Used as an anti-foaming agent in food and drinks.

Formulation notes

• Can accumulate peroxides and aldehydes over time.
• Can reduce the efficacy of certain antibiotics and phenolic preservatives.
• Laxative interacts critically with starch-based thickeners.

Typical specification

• Grades from PEG-200 to PEG-8000 are offered.
• PEG 200 and PEG 400 are non-volatile, colorless liquids.
• With a molecular mass above 3000 g/mol, it is a solid in the form of flakes or powder.
• Polyethylene glycol 4000 is available in pharmaceutical quality.
• PEG 600 has a paste-like consistency.

Regulatory status

• Banned in certified organic cosmetics under the COSMEBIO natural and organic cosmetics standard.
• For use in pharmaceuticals, the pharmacopoeia requirements applicable to the market must be checked.
• REACH registration should be confirmed for representative scope and specific grade and end-use suitability for the target market.

Frequently asked questions about Polyethylene glycol

In which pharmaceutical applications are low molecular weight polyethylene glycol grades used?

Low molecular weight variants are used as solvents in oral liquids and soft capsules.

What role does polyethylene glycol play in monoclonal antibody production?

It is commonly used to fuse B-cells with myeloma cells.

Which grade is suitable as a solvent for actives poorly soluble in water?

PEG-400 is a common solvent for such actives.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.