Polyethylenimine (PEI) is a cationic polymer composed of repeating units of ethyleneimine, existing in linear or branched forms.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) is a viscous, colorless to pale yellow liquid or solid that exhibits strong basicity and high charge density.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) is widely used as a flocculant, chelating agent, adhesion promoter, and polymeric surfactant in industrial, biotechnological, and pharmaceutical applications.
Due to its ability to bind negatively charged molecules, PEI is also employed in gene transfection, water treatment, paper manufacturing, and as a crosslinking agent in coatings and adhesives.
CAS Number: 9002-98-6
EC Number: 618-508-0
Molecular Formula: (C2H5N)n
Molecular Weight: Variable (commonly 600–750,000 g/mol depending on grade)
Synonyms: Polyethyleneimine, Polyaziridine, PEI, Poly(aziridine), Polyethylene Imine, Branched PEI, Linear Polyethylenimine, Polyamine Polymer, Cationic Polymer PEI, Polyethylenimine (PEI), PEI, Poly(aziridine), Polyethyleneimine, Poly(ethylenimine), Ethylenimine Polymer, Polyethylene Imine, Branched Polyethylenimine, Linear Polyethylenimine, Polyethylenimine Solution, Polyethylenimine Aqueous Solution, PEI 600, PEI 1800, PEI 25000, PEI 60000, PEI Polymer, Polyethylenimine Polymer, Polyethylenimine Compound, Polyethylenimine Material, Polyethylenimine Product, Polyethylenimine Substance, Polyethylenimine Chemical, Polyethylenimine Technical Grade, Polyethylenimine Industrial Grade, Polyethylenimine Pharmaceutical Grade, Polyethylenimine Cosmetic Grade, Polyethylenimine Laboratory Grade, Polyethylenimine Research Grade, Polyethylenimine Pure, Polyethylenimine Extra Pure, Polyethylenimine High Purity, Polyethylenimine Refined, Polyethylenimine Stabilized, Polyethylenimine Certified, Polyethylenimine Certified Standard, Polyethylenimine Analytical Standard, Polyethylenimine Laboratory Standard, Polyethylenimine Test Reagent, Polyethylenimine Assay, Polyethylenimine Bulk Chemical, Polyethylenimine Commercial Grade, Polyethylenimine Raw Material, Polyethylenimine Fine Chemical, Polyethylenimine Specialty Chemical, Polyethylenimine Active Ingredient, Polyethylenimine Functional Ingredient, Polyethylenimine Specialty Ingredient, Polyethylenimine Functional Additive, Polyethylenimine Specialty Additive, Polyethylenimine Cationic Polymer, Polyethylenimine Polyelectrolyte, Polyethylenimine Flocculant, Polyethylenimine Adhesion Promoter, Polyethylenimine Crosslinking Agent, Polyethylenimine Coating Additive, Polyethylenimine Surface Modifier, Polyethylenimine Dispersant, Polyethylenimine Stabilizer, Polyethylenimine Thickener, Polyethylenimine Polymer Additive, Polyethylenimine Textile Additive
APPLICATIONS
Polyethylenimine (PEI) is used as a flocculant in water treatment.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) neutralizes negatively charged particles.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) enhances sedimentation and filtration efficiency.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) is applied in papermaking.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) acts as a wet-strength resin.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) improves retention of fillers and pigments in paper pulp.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) is used in coatings and adhesives.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) improves adhesion between polar and nonpolar surfaces.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) serves as a crosslinking agent for epoxy and polyurethane systems.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) is utilized in the textile industry.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) acts as an antistatic agent and dye-fixing agent.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) improves color fastness and fabric quality.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) is employed in wastewater treatment.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) binds heavy metals and organic contaminants.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) enhances removal of suspended solids.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) is used in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) is an effective transfection reagent for delivering DNA and RNA.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) condenses nucleic acids into nanoparticles for gene therapy.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) is applied in oilfield chemicals.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) acts as a corrosion inhibitor and scale-preventing agent.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) improves stability in drilling fluids.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) is used in coatings for filtration membranes.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) imparts positive charge for selective ion exchange.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) improves hydrophilicity and fouling resistance.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) is incorporated in personal care formulations.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) functions as a conditioning polymer and film-former.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) enhances smoothness and adherence of actives.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) is also used in catalysis and resin modification.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) acts as a support for metal catalysts.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) facilitates CO₂ capture through amine-based adsorption.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) is used in water treatment.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) acts as a flocculant and coagulant aid.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) enhances removal of suspended solids and colloids.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) is applied in paper manufacturing.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) functions as a wet-strength resin.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) improves fiber bonding and paper durability.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) is used in adhesives.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) enhances adhesion to polar and non-polar substrates.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) improves cohesion in laminating applications.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) is incorporated in coatings.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) increases crosslinking and film integrity.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) improves corrosion resistance of metal coatings.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) is used in textile processing.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) acts as a dye-fixing agent.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) enhances color fastness and brightness.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) is applied in wastewater treatment.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) captures heavy metals and organic pollutants.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) supports purification of industrial effluents.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) is used in biotechnology.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) facilitates DNA and RNA transfection in cell cultures.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) forms complexes with nucleic acids for gene delivery.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) is incorporated in oilfield chemicals.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) acts as a scale inhibitor and dispersant.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) enhances stability of drilling and production fluids.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) is used in printing inks.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) improves pigment dispersion and adhesion.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) supports uniform ink distribution.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) is applied in detergents.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) functions as a soil release and anti-redeposition agent.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) enhances performance in laundry formulations.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) is used in personal care formulations.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) serves as a conditioning polymer.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) improves hair softness and manageability.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) is incorporated in gas separation membranes.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) enhances CO₂ adsorption capacity.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) improves selectivity in gas purification processes.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) is used in electronics.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) acts as an adhesion promoter in coatings and films.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) improves charge transport in conductive layers.
DESCRIPTION
Polyethylenimine (PEI) is a polymer formed by repeating ethylenimine units.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) is available in linear and branched structures.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) is used in diverse industrial and biological applications.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) has the CAS number 9002-98-6.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) has the molecular formula (C2H5N)n.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) has a variable molecular weight depending on grade.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) appears as a colorless to pale yellow viscous liquid or solid.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) is soluble in water and polar solvents.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) exhibits strong cationic charge density.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) forms complexes with negatively charged molecules.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) is used as a crosslinking, binding, and adhesion-promoting agent.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) is widely utilized in water treatment, paper, coatings, and biotech industries.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) is stable under normal conditions.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) should be handled with protective equipment due to its alkalinity.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) should be stored in tightly sealed containers away from heat and moisture.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) is available in linear and branched forms.
Linear PEI consists of secondary amines, while branched PEI contains primary, secondary, and tertiary amines.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) can appear as a viscous liquid or solid depending on molecular weight and concentration.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) is highly soluble in water, ethanol, and polar solvents.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) exhibits strong alkalinity (pKa ~8–10).
Polyethylenimine (PEI) readily forms complexes with anionic polymers, proteins, and biomolecules.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) is thermally stable and resistant to oxidation under standard conditions.
However, it is hygroscopic and should be stored in tightly sealed containers.
Polyethylenimine (PEI) is classified as corrosive in concentrated forms and must be handled with care.
PROPERTIES
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow viscous liquid or solid
Odor: Ammonia-like odor
Density: ~1.03 g/cm³ (25°C, 50% aqueous solution)
Viscosity: Highly dependent on molecular weight (100–200,000 mPa·s)
Boiling Point: >200°C (decomposes)
Flash Point: >110°C
Solubility: Soluble in water, ethanol, methanol, and glycols
pH (1% solution): ~10.5–11.5
Reactivity: Reacts with acids to form salts; can crosslink under heat
Stability: Stable under ambient conditions; avoid strong oxidizers
Storage Temperature: Store at 10–30°C in sealed containers, protected from air and moisture
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move the affected person to fresh air immediately.
Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation or difficulty breathing occurs.
Skin Contact:
Wash thoroughly with soap and water.
Remove contaminated clothing.
Seek medical attention if irritation or redness develops.
Eye Contact:
Flush immediately with water for at least 15 minutes.
Seek medical attention promptly.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Do not induce vomiting.
Seek medical help immediately.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
Due to alkaline nature, manage exposure as chemical irritation or caustic burn.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Avoid inhalation, ingestion, and skin or eye contact.
Wear appropriate PPE including gloves, goggles, and lab coat.
Use in well-ventilated areas.
Ventilation:
Provide local exhaust ventilation in handling areas.
Avoidance:
Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents and acids.
Prevent prolonged exposure to air and moisture.
Spill and Leak Procedures:
Absorb small spills with inert material (e.g., sand or vermiculite).
Neutralize with dilute acid if necessary.
Dispose of in accordance with local environmental regulations.
Storage:
Store in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry, and ventilated area.
Protect from heat, light, and humidity.
Avoid contact with reactive chemicals.