Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), MW 10,000–16,000
Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is a water-soluble, non-ionic polymer widely used in industrial and
biomedical research applications. PEG materials are generally regarded as relatively inert and are
commonly supplied as liquids or solids depending on molecular weight.
“PEG” and “poly(ethylene oxide)” (PEO) describe the same ethylene oxide–based polymer family.
In many contexts, the term PEG is used for lower molecular weight oligomers and polymers,
while PEO is often used for higher molecular weight materials. Polymer chains are typically
hydroxyl-terminated at both ends.
At all but the lowest molecular weights, PEG/PEO materials can exhibit a molecular weight distribution.
As a result, an assigned molecular weight range represents an approximate distribution rather than a
single discrete value.
Key Properties
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Chemical type: Poly(ethylene glycol) / poly(ethylene oxide)
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Molecular weight range: 10,000–16,000 g/mol
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Polymer character: Water-soluble, non-ionic
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End groups: Typically hydroxyl-terminated (diol)
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Typical form: Solid at this molecular weight range (general behavior)
Solubility
Commonly described as soluble in the following solvents:
- Alcohol
- Acetone
- Chloroform
- Toluene
- Dichloromethane
Synonyms / Acronyms
Typical Applications
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Formulation & processing research: Used as a hydrophilic polymer component in coatings, binders, and process studies where water compatibility is beneficial.
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Biomaterials & surface modification research: Frequently used as a polymer building block or additive in studies evaluating hydration layers, protein resistance, or surface properties.
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Polymer blending & materials development: Used in miscibility and phase-behavior studies with other polymers and additives.
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General laboratory use: Applied in protocols where a non-ionic, water-soluble polymer matrix or carrier is useful.
FAQs
Common questions about Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), MW 10,000–16,000.
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Is PEG the same as PEO?
PEG and PEO refer to the same ethylene oxide–based polymer family. In many settings, “PEG”
is used for lower molecular weight materials and “PEO” for higher molecular weight polymers,
but the chemistry is the same.
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What does the MW 10,000–16,000 range mean?
It indicates an approximate molecular weight distribution rather than a single exact value.
Many PEG/PEO products (except the lowest molecular weights) contain a distribution of chain lengths.
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Are PEG chains end-functionalized?
PEG is commonly hydroxyl-terminated at both ends (a diol). Specific end-group chemistry can vary
by product type, so the end-group description is best interpreted in the context of the supplier’s listing.
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What solvents is PEG (10k–16k) commonly soluble in?
This page describes solubility in alcohol, acetone, chloroform, toluene, and dichloromethane.
Practical solubility can depend on temperature, mixing conditions, and molecular weight distribution.
