Polyethylene Glycol 6000

CAS Number:

25322-68-3

Chemical / IUPAC Name:

Polyethylene Glycol 6000

INCI Name:

 PEG-135

Molecular Formula:

HO(C2H4O)nH, where n is approximately 135-140

Molecular Weight:

~ 5,600 – 6,600 g/mol (average 6000)

Other Names:

PEG 6000, Macrogol 6000, Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), α-hydro-ω-hydroxy- (average MW 6000)

Uses:

PEG-6000 is a high molecular weight, water-soluble polymer that appears as white to off-white waxy flakes, granules, or powder. It is valued for its versatility, low toxicity, and excellent solubility in water and many organic solvents .

· Personal Care & Cosmetics: Used in lipsticks, lip liners, moisturizing creams, anti-wrinkle creams, hair styling preparations, and cleansing products as a lubricant, humectant, binder, and viscosity modifier  .

· Pharmaceuticals: Functions as a ointment base, suppository mass base, plasticizer in film coatings, binder in tablet granulations, and carrier for active substances  .

· Industrial Applications: Used as a lubricant in metalworking fluids and heat transfer fluids, a release agent in rubber and plastics processing (tire production), and a plasticizer in ceramics and biopolymer-based food packaging  .

· Detergents: Acts as a binder in dishwasher tablets, laundry tablets, and bath salts  .

· Laboratory & Biotechnology: Used for differential precipitation of DNA, enhancing hybridization rates of nucleic acids, and in ligation of blunt-ended DNA  .

Origin

PEG-6000 is a synthetic polymer produced by the polymerization of ethylene oxide. It belongs to the group of polyoxyethylene glycols with an average molecular weight of 6000 g/mol  .

What does PEG-6000 do in a formulation?

• Lubricant: Reduces friction and provides smoothness in various applications .
• Humectant: Attracts and retains moisture .
• Binder: Helps hold ingredients together in solid formulations like tablets and detergent cubes  .
• Viscosity Modifier / Thickener: Increases the thickness of aqueous systems and improves rheological properties  .
• Plasticizer: Imparts flexibility to films and coatings  .
• Carrier / Solubilizer: Enhances solubility of active substances and acts as a base for suppositories  .
• Release Agent: Prevents sticking in rubber and plastics processing  .

Safety Profile:

· General Hazard Classification: Considered non-toxic and physiologically safe. Classified as non-hazardous according to CLP/GHS regulations  .

· Toxicity: Low acute toxicity. LD50 (oral, rat) > 50 g/kg  . Listed in the US Pharmacopoeia since 1950 and in numerous pharmacopoeias worldwide  .

· Irritation & Sensitization: Generally regarded as non-irritating and non-sensitizing to skin and eyes. Has no toxic or irritant effect on the skin  .

· Biodegradability: Rate of biodegradation decreases with increasing molar mass. PEGs up to 1500 are readily biodegradable  .

· Environmental: German water hazard class WGK 1 (slightly hazardous to water). No acute harmful effects on fish or bacteria at concentrations up to 10,000 mg/L  .

· FDA Status: Permitted as an indirect food additive based on CFR 21  .

· Regulatory Status: Approved for use in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals worldwide .

Technical profile: