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Polyethylene glycol 4000 is used as a suppository base, a suppository with a higher melting point can be prepared.
Polyethylene glycol 4000 is used for the precipitation of proteins, viruses, DNA, and RNA.
Polyethylene glycol 4000 is a stabilizer used in many commercially available vaccines and slows the release of protein medications into the bloodstream.
CAS number: 25322-68-3
EC number: 500-038-2
Molecular Formula: H(OCH₂CH₂)nOH
Average Molecular Weight: 3500–4500 g/mol
SYNONYMS:
Polyethylene Glycol 4000, PEG 4000, Polyethylene Oxide, Polyoxyethylene, Polyglycol, Macrogol 4000, Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) α-hydro-ω-hydroxy-, PEG, Polyoxyethylene Glycol, Carbowax 4000, Polyglycol, Polyethylene oxide, Polyoxy ethylene, PEG 4000, Polyethylene Glycol 4000, Atpeg 4000, Carbowax 4000, Dulcobalance, Idrolax, Lipoxol 4000 med, Peg 4000, Peg-85, Peg-90, Pluracare e 4000, Polyglykol 4000, RefChem:8782, SYMPATENS-PEG/4000 G, Sabopeg 4000, Toho peg no. 4000, Unipeg-4000 x, 4R4HFI6D95, Poly(ethylene glycol), Polyethylene glycol 4000, Polyglycol, Polyethylene oxide, Polyoxy ethylene, PEG 4000, PEG
Polyethylene Glycol 4000 compound belonging to the polyethylene glycol family of polymers.
Polyethylene glycol 4000 is produced through the polymerization of ethylene oxide and contains repeating ethylene oxide units terminated by hydroxyl groups.
The number 4000 represents the approximate average molecular weight (~3500–4500 g/mol) of the polymer chain.
Polyethylene glycol 4000 is widely used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, biotechnology, and industrial formulations due to its high water solubility, low toxicity, chemical stability, and lubricating properties.
At room temperature, Polyethylene glycol 4000 usually appears as a white waxy solid or flakes and forms clear solutions in water.
Polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG 4000) is a versatile, water-soluble, non-toxic polymer (CAS 25322-68-3) primarily used as a, laxative, binder, stabilizer, and solvent in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
With a molecular weight of 1400–1600 (though labeled 4000) and a melting point of Polyethylene glycol 4000 is highly effective for, constipation treatment and sustained-release drug formulations.
Polyethylene glycol 4000, commonly referred to as PEG 4000, is a polyether compound that is used in a wide variety of fields including pharmaceutical manufacturing as an excipient and active ingredient.
Due to its low toxicity Polyethylene glycol 4000 can be used as a lubricating coating for various surfaces in aqueous and non-aqueous environments, a reagent in biochemistry to create very high osmotic pressures, a polar stationary phase for gas chromatography and as a binder.
The polymerization degree of Polyethylene glycol 4000 is approximately 70-80.
Also known as PEG 4000, Polyethylene glycol 4000 is a high molecular weight polymer of ethylene glycol, commonly used in various industrial, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications.
Polyethylene glycol 4000 is a water-soluble, non-toxic compound with excellent lubricating, emulsifying, and stabilising properties.
Polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG 4000) is an organic compound, a polymer from the group of polyethers, a product of the condensation of ethylene oxide and ethylene glycol.
The numeric suffix indicates the average molecular weight of Polyethylene glycol 4000.
Polyethylene glycol 4000 is a pale, colorless, transparent substance in the form of waxy flakes.
Not classified as a toxic substance according to Classification according to Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 [CLP/GHS].
Polyethylene glycol 4000 is approved as a drug additive in several pharmacopoeias.
Polyethylene Glycol 4000 (PEG 4000) is soluble in water and many organic solvents, including alcohols, glycols, glycol ethers, ketones and aromatic hydrocarbons.
However, Polyethylene glycol 4000 is poorly soluble in aliphatic hydrocarbons and ethers.
USES and APPLICATIONS of POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 4000:
Polyethylene glycol 4000 is a polymer of Polyethylene glycol.
Polyethylene glycol 4000 is used for the precipitation of proteins, viruses, DNA, and RNA.
Polyethylene glycol 4000 is a stabilizer used in many commercially available vaccines and slows the release of protein medications into the bloodstream.
Polyethylene glycol 4000 has been used to synthesize hydrogels useful in regenerative medicine.
Pharmaceutical Applications of Polyethylene glycol 4000: Excipient in tablet formulations as binder or lubricant, Base for ointments and creams, Suppository base material, Drug delivery formulations and controlled-release systems, Stabilizer in pharmaceutical suspensions and emulsions.
Biotechnology and Laboratory Applications of Polyethylene glycol 4000: Protein and enzyme precipitation, DNA and virus purification, Cell fusion and transformation experiments, Stabilizer in biochemical formulations.
Cosmetic and Personal Care Applications of Polyethylene glycol 4000: Humectant in creams and lotions, Thickening agent in cosmetic formulations, Emulsion stabilizer, Lubricating and moisturizing component in skin-care products.
Industrial Applications of Polyethylene glycol 4000: Plasticizer in polymer processing, Lubricant and mold-release agent, Dispersant for pigments and fillers, Additive in adhesives, coatings, inks, and sealants, Textile and leather processing auxiliary, Paper and ceramic manufacturing additive, Component in water-treatment and surfactant systems.
Polyethylene glycol 4000 is used as a suppository base, a suppository with a higher melting point can be prepared.
Polyethylene glycol 4000 has good stability during storage, can withstand the effects of high temperature, and the release of the drug is not affected by melting point.
Polyethylene glycol 4000's aqueous solution can be used as a suspending agent or adjust the viscosity of other suspensions.
In solid preparations, Polyethylene glycol 4000 can increase the effectiveness of tablet binders and affect the plasticity of the granules, but the effect is limited when used alone.
Polyethylene glycol 4000 can also be made into a solid dispersion with poorly soluble drugs to improve the water solubility and dissolution rate of poorly soluble drugs, or as a fat-soluble solid dispersion, a hydrophobic coating porogen.
Polyethylene glycol is used in gene delivery of protoplast transfection and incubation.
Polyethylene glycol 4000 is used in the preparation of extraction for measuring cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) from plant tissues.
Polyethylene glycol 4000 is useful to mediate DNA transformation into protoplasts derived from rice leaf sheaths.
Polyethylene glycol 4000 is mainly used as a base for drip pills, ointments, suppositories, lubricants for tablets, capsules, plasticizers, solid dispersion carriers, suspending agents, porogens, etc.
Polyethylene glycol 4000 is used as a dripping pill matrix, it can be mixed with other molecular weight of Macrogol, so its application is much wider.
As an ointment base, Polyethylene glycol 4000 does not penetrate the skin easily and is easy to clean.
Polyethylene glycol 4000 is used for chromatography, histology, microscopy, and specialized biochemical applications.
Polyethylene glycol 4000 is used as a solvent, emulsifier and viscosity increasing agent for liquid cosmetics and drugs.
In addition, Polyethylene glycol 4000 is used in the production of synthetic lubricants, machining oils, hydraulic fluids and polishing agents.
Polyethylene glycol 4000 is used indispensable in the production of synthetic resins, plasticizers and adhesives.
Polyethylene glycol 4000 is used starting material for obtaining polyethylene glycol esters.
Polyethylene glycol 4000 is used in the paper, rubber, textile, printing and metal industries.
As a curiosity, its use in underwater archeology can be cited, where Polyethylene glycol 4000 is used as a preservative for wooden artefacts excavated from wet archaeological sites.
Polyethylene glycol 4000 then takes the form of a water-soluble wax product that slowly penetrates deep into the wood and displaces water, thus preventing shrinkage and cracking of the wood.
Polyethylene glycol 4000 is used as a catalyst or reagent in chemical synthesis processes on an industrial scale, e.g. in two-phase reactions.
Applications of Polyethylene glycol 4000: Crystallization grade Polyethylene glycol 4,000 for formulating screens or for optimization
-Industrial Applications of Polyethylene glycol 4000:
Polyethylene glycol 4000 is widely used in industrial applications as a lubricant and anti-foaming agent.
Polyethylene glycol 4000 is used in metalworking, as a lubricant in cutting and grinding processes, as well as in the production of lubricating oils and greases.
-Textile and Paper Industry uses of Polyethylene glycol 4000:
In the textile industry, Polyethylene glycol 4000 is used as a lubricant and finishing agent to enhance the texture and feel of fabrics.
Polyethylene glycol 4000 is also used in the paper industry to improve the quality of paper products, acting as a binder and enhancing the smoothness of the surface.
BENEFITS AND ADVANTAGES of POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 4000:
Excellent water solubility and dispersion capability
Low toxicity and high biocompatibility
Polyethylene glycol 4000 improves lubricity and processability in formulations
Polyethylene glycol 4000 provides moisture retention and stabilization
Polyethylene glycol 4000 enhances drug solubility and formulation stability
Compatible with a wide range of chemical systems
Stable under normal storage conditions with long shelf life.
GENERAL PROPERTIES of POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 4000:
*Non-ionic polymer
*Hydrophilic polyether structure
*Chemically stable and inert under many conditions
*Polyethylene glycol 4000 forms hydrogen bonds with water molecules
*Good compatibility with many pharmaceutical excipients and industrial additives
*Low volatility due to high molecular weight
*Excellent lubricating and plasticizing ability.
CHARACTERISTICS of POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 4000:
Excellent moisture-retaining ability
Good film-forming properties
Effective binder and plasticizer
Polyethylene glycol 4000 improves solubility of poorly soluble compounds
Polyethylene glycol 4000 provides steric stabilization in suspensions and emulsions
Polyethylene glycol 4000 enhances dispersion of pigments and solid particles
Compatible with ionic and non-ionic formulation ingredients.
FEATURES of POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 4000:
Sterile filtered solution
Formulated in Type 1+ ultrapure water: 18.2 megaohm-cm resistivity at 25°C, < 5 ppb Total Organic Carbon, bacteria free (<1 Bacteria (CFU/ml)), pyrogen free (<0.03 Endotoxin (EU/ml)), RNase-free (< 0.01 ng/mL) and DNase-free (< 4 pg/µL)
A thermoplastic polymer obtained by the polymerization of ethylene oxide; the various types of PEG vary according to their average molecular weight, from which they take their name.
PEG is soluble in water and in most organic solvents, but with the increase of its molecular weight, solubility and hygroscopicity decrease.
The most recognized application of polyethylene glycols is the consolidation of waterlogged wood.
KEY APPLICATIONS AND PROPERTIES of POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 4000:
*Medical Use:
Polyethylene glycol 4000 is widely used as an osmotic laxative to treat constipation in both children and adults.
*Pharmaceutical Industry:
Polyethylene glycol 4000 acts as a lubricant for tablets and capsules, an ointment base, and in PEGylation to improve drug delivery.
*Physical Form:
Polyethylene glycol 4000 is typically a white, waxy solid or flake, highly soluble in water.
*Compared to PEG 3350:
Polyethylene glycol 4000 is generally more viscous, making it better for sustained-release applications.
*Safety:
Considered safe, biodegradable, and low-odor.
WHAT IS IT?
Polyethylene glycol, referred to as PEG, is used as an inactive ingredient in the pharmaceutical industry as a solvent, plasticizer, surfactant, ointments, and suppository base, and tablet and capsule lubricant.
PEG has low toxicity with systemic absorption less than 0.5%.
PEGylation occurs when PEGs are attached to various protein medications, allowing for greater solubility for certain drugs.
Examples of PEGylated medications include PEG-interferon alpha (Pegintron) and PEG-filgrastim (Neulasta).
PEG is also available as a bowel prep for colonoscopy procedures and as a laxative.
PEG 400 indicates the average molecular weight of the specific PEG at 400.
PEG 3350 is a laxative available over-the-counter by the name of Miralax.
In this case, PEG is considered an active ingredient, even though systemic absorption is less than 0.5%.
PHYSICAL and CHEMICAL PROPERTIES of POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 4000:
Chemical Name: Polyethylene Glycol 4000
CAS Number: 25322‑68‑3
EC Number: 500‑038‑2
Molecular Formula: H(OCH₂CH₂)ₙOH
Average Molecular Weight: 3500–4500 g/mol
Chemical Class: Polyether polymer / polyethylene glycol derivative
Structure: Linear polymer composed of repeating ethylene oxide units terminated by hydroxyl groups
Appearance: White to slightly off-white waxy solid, flakes, or powder
Physical State: Solid at room temperature
Odor: Odorless or very faint odor
Melting Point: 53–66 °C
Boiling Point: >200–250 °C
Flash Point: ~270 °C
Autoignition Temperature: >320 °C
Glass Transition Temperature (Tg): ~−67 °C
Density: ~1.2–1.27 g/cm³ (20–25 °C)
Bulk Density: 400–500 kg/m³
Refractive Index: ~1.469
Viscosity: ~110–170 mPa·s (depending on concentration)
Vapor Pressure: <0.01 mmHg at 20 °C
pH (100 g/L aqueous solution): 5–7
Water Solubility: Highly soluble
Solubility in Organic Solvents: Soluble in alcohols, acetone, and aromatic hydrocarbons;
limited solubility in aliphatic hydrocarbons
Hygroscopicity: Slightly hygroscopic
Stability: Stable under normal storage conditions
Chemical Name: Polyethylene Glycol 4000
CAS Number: 25322‑68‑3
EC Number: 500‑038‑2
Linear Formula: H(OCH₂CH₂)ₙOH
Average Molecular Weight: 3500–4500 g/mol
Chemical Class: Polyether polymer / polyethylene glycol derivative
Structure: Linear polymer composed of repeating ethylene oxide units terminated by hydroxyl groups
Appearance: Light yellow solid, flakes, or powder
Physical State (20 °C): Solid
Odor: No data available
pH (100 g/L aqueous solution, 20 °C): 5–7
Melting Point / Range: 53–58 °C
Boiling Point: >200 °C (1013 hPa)
Flash Point: 138.6 °C (closed cup)
Autoignition Temperature: 360 °C
Decomposition Temperature: No data available
Glass Transition Temperature (Tg): ~−67 °C
Density: 1.116–1.27 g/cm³ (20 °C)
Bulk Density: 400–500 kg/m³
Vapor Pressure: <0.01 hPa at 20 °C
Viscosity: No data available
Refractive Index: ~1.469
Solubility: Highly soluble in water (~256–500 g/L at 25 °C);
soluble in alcohols, acetone, and aromatic hydrocarbons;
limited solubility in aliphatic hydrocarbons
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and handling conditions
Storage Temperature: Store in a cool, dark place, <15 °C
Hygroscopicity: Slightly hygroscopic
Oxidizing Properties: None
Bioaccumulation: Not expected
HS Code: 3404 20 00
Quality Level: MQ200
UNSPSC Code: 41116107
MDL Number: MFCD00081839
Merck Index Reference: 7568
Chemical Name: Polyethylene Glycol 4000 (PEG 4000)
CAS Number: 25322‑68‑3
Molecular Formula: H(OCH₂CH₂)ₙOH
Average Molecular Weight: 3700–4500 g/mol (representative range)
Hydroxyl Number: 25–32 mg KOH/g
IUPAC Name: Ethane-1,2-diol polymer
Synonyms: PEG 4000
Appearance: White waxy solid flakes or granular powder; slightly odorless or faint odor
Odor: Odorless or very faint
Color: White
Physical State: Solid at room temperature
pH (5% aqueous solution): 5–7
Melting / Freezing Point: 53–62 °C
Boiling Point: >200 °C
Flash Point: 138–270 °C (depending on measurement method)
Autoignition Temperature: ~360 °C
Decomposition Temperature: No data available
Density: ~1.2–1.27 g/cm³ (20–25 °C)
Bulk Density: 400–500 kg/m³
Vapor Pressure: <0.01 hPa at 20 °C
Viscosity: Approx. 110–170 mPa·s (depending on concentration)
Refractive Index: ~1.469
Solubility: Highly soluble in water and ethanol; soluble in acetone and aromatic hydrocarbons;
insoluble in ether and aliphatic hydrocarbons
Hygroscopicity: Slightly hygroscopic
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and handling conditions
Storage Temperature: Store in a cool, dark place, <15 °C
Oxidizing Properties: None
Bioaccumulation: Not expected
Merck Index: 14,7568
MDL Number: MFCD01779601
InChI Key: LYCAIKOWRPUZTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N
FIRST AID MEASURES of POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 4000:
-Description of first-aid measures
*General advice:
Show this material safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
*If inhaled:
After inhalation:
Fresh air.
*In case of skin contact:
Take off immediately all contaminated clothing.
Rinse skin with
water/ shower.
*In case of eye contact:
After eye contact:
Rinse out with plenty of water.
Call in ophthalmologist.
Remove contact lenses.
*If swallowed:
After swallowing:
Immediately make victim drink water (two glasses at most).
Consult a physician.
-Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed.
No data available
ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES of POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 4000:
-Environmental precautions:
Do not let product enter drains.
-Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Cover drains.
Collect, bind, and pump off spills.
Observe possible material restrictions.
Take up dry.
Dispose of properly.
Clean up affected area.
FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES of POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 4000:
-Extinguishing media:
*Suitable extinguishing media:
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Foam
Dry powder
*Unsuitable extinguishing media:
For this substance/mixture no limitations of extinguishing agents are given.
-Further information:
Prevent fire extinguishing water from contaminating surface water or the ground water system.
EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION of POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 4000:
-Control parameters:
--Ingredients with workplace control parameters:
-Exposure controls:
--Personal protective equipment:
*Eye/face protection:
Use equipment for eye protection.
Safety glasses
*Body Protection:
protective clothing
*Respiratory protection:
Recommended Filter type: Filter A
-Control of environmental exposure:
Do not let product enter drains.
HANDLING and STORAGE of POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 4000:
-Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
*Storage conditions:
Tightly closed.
Dry.
STABILITY and REACTIVITY of POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 4000:
-Chemical stability:
The product is chemically stable under standard ambient conditions (room temperature).
-Possibility of hazardous reactions:
No data available
