Polyethylene Glycol 200 (PEG)

Product Overview

Polyethylene Glycol 200 (PEG 200) is a low molecular weight, water-soluble polymer designed for broad industrial use where consistent flow, moisture retention, and compatibility are essential. PEG 200 is a clear, colorless to pale yellow viscous liquid with odorless characteristics and excellent solubility in water and alcohols. Its molecular weight is approximately 200 g/mol, and it demonstrates a low vapor pressure (0.1 mmHg at 20°C) with a viscosity of 50-70 cP at 25°C. The material meets USP-NF Monograph and Food Chemical Codex (FCC) standards, ensuring suitability for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food-related processing applications. The product formulation emphasizes stringent impurity control (trace metals, chlorides, sulfates) and a low water content to support precise formulation and performance in downstream processes.

PEG 200’s non-toxic profile and broad compatibility make it an attractive choice for use as a lubricant, humectant, solvent, and stabilizer across multiple industries. The product’s precise specification set supports controlled performance in HPLC mobile phases, cosmetic moisturizers, pharmaceutical excipients, industrial lubrication, and food processing contexts. Its handling and storage recommendations, coupled with robust analytical specifications, enable reliable, repeatable results in regulated production environments.

Key Properties

• Appearance: Clear, colorless to pale yellow viscous liquid
• Chemical Formula: HO-(C₂H₄O)ₙ-H
• Molecular Weight: 200.21 g/mol
• CAS: 25322-68-3
• Specific Gravity (20°C): 1.129 (typical)
• Specific Gravity (25°C): 1.129 (typical)
• Water Content: 0.1% typical; ≤ 0.2% max
• Residue on Ignition: 0.002% typical; ≤ 0.005% max
• Chloride (Cl): 20 ppm typical; ≤ 50 ppm max
• Nitrate (NO₃⁻): 5 ppm typical; ≤ 20 ppm max
• Ammonium (NH₄⁺): 3 ppm typical; ≤ 10 ppm max
• Sulfate (SO₄²⁻): 25 ppm typical; ≤ 100 ppm max
• Phosphate (PO₄³⁻): 5 ppm typical; ≤ 20 ppm max
• Arsenic (As): 0.02 ppm typical; ≤ 0.1 ppm max
• Heavy Metals (as Pb): 0.1 ppm typical; ≤ 0.5 ppm max
• Iron (Fe): 0.05 ppm typical; ≤ 0.2 ppm max
• Copper (Cu): 0.1 ppm typical; ≤ 0.5 ppm max
• Manganese (Mn): 0.1 ppm typical; ≤ 0.5 ppm max
• Nickel (Ni): 0.1 ppm typical; ≤ 0.5 ppm max
• Lead (Pb): 0.05 ppm typical; ≤ 0.2 ppm max
• Zinc (Zn): 0.1 ppm typical; ≤ 0.5 ppm max
• Aluminum (Al): 0.05 ppm typical; ≤ 0.2 ppm max
• Chromium (Cr): 0.1 ppm typical; ≤ 0.5 ppm max
• Cadmium/Other: Not reported
• Vapor Pressure (20°C): 0.1 mmHg
• Refractive Index (20°C): 1.460
• Viscosity (25°C): 50-70 cP (typical 60 cP)
• Water Activity: Not specified
• Boiling Point: Not applicable (liquid at room temp)
• Decomposition Temperature: Typical 245°C (range 230–260°C)

Common Applications

• HPLC Mobile Phase: Used as a mobile phase component in reversed-phase chromatography for separation of organic compounds with compatibility to typical stationary phases.
• Cosmetic Moisturizer: Acts as a humectant to retain skin moisture in creams and lotions, contributing to texture and occlusivity without adverse taste or odor.
• Pharmaceutical Excipients: Solvent and stabilizer in multiple dosage forms, supporting uniformity and viscosity control in formulations.
• Industrial Lubricant: Serves as a lubricant in machinery and equipment, reducing friction and wear in contact surfaces under moderate temperatures.
• Food Processing Agent: Food-grade additive employed to improve texture, moisture retention, and viscosity of processed foods under compliant standards.

Safety Precautions

Handling PEG 200 should follow standard chemical hygiene practices. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight in HDPE or glass containers to minimize moisture uptake and contamination. Use appropriate PPE, including gloves and goggles, to prevent skin and eye contact, and ensure adequate ventilation in storage and handling areas to mitigate any low-level vapor exposure.

In the event of exposure, follow standard first-aid procedures: eyes—rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; skin—wash with soap and water and seek medical advice if irritation occurs; inhalation—move to fresh air and maintain comfortable breathing; ingestion—rinse mouth and seek medical attention if symptoms arise. The SDS indicates the product is not classified as hazardous, but safety data should be consulted prior to use, and exposure controls aligned with local regulatory requirements.

Benefits

✔ High Purity and Consistent Quality – Meets USP-NF and FCC standards with controlled impurity profiles across trace metals and anions, enabling reliable formulation performance.
✔ Excellent Water Solubility and Compatibility – Soluble in water and alcohols, facilitating integration into diverse processes including analytical, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food applications.