Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) 400 is a low molecular weight, water-soluble polyether polymer widely used in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, personal care, coatings, and industrial formulation applications. PEG 400 is valued for its solubility, formulation flexibility, lubricity, and humectant properties, making it a versatile ingredient in both research and manufacturing environments.
Synonyms and related names: Polyethylene glycol 400, PEG 400, macrogol 400, poly(ethylene glycol), poly(ethylene oxide).
Polyethylene glycol and poly(ethylene oxide) are chemically identical polymers that differ primarily by molecular weight nomenclature. PEG polymers are hydroxyl-terminated at both ends and are commonly selected for applications requiring water compatibility, moisture management, lubrication, or formulation support.
PEG 400 is frequently used in pharmaceutical formulation research, personal care products, coatings, laboratory protocols, and industrial processing applications where a low molecular weight polyethylene glycol is desired.
Key Properties
- Water-soluble, nonionic polyether polymer
- Average molecular weight approximately 400
- Hydroxyl-terminated polymer chains
- Provides lubricity and humectant functionality
- Compatible with aqueous and selected organic systems
- Suitable for research, formulation, and industrial applications
Applications
Pharmaceutical & Formulation Research
PEG 400 is widely used in formulation development, excipient research, solubilization studies, and pharmaceutical processing applications.
Personal Care & Cosmetic Formulations
The polymer is commonly incorporated into personal care and cosmetic products where moisture retention, texture modification, and formulation performance are important considerations.
Coatings & Surface Treatments
PEG 400 may be used in coating formulations where slip characteristics, humectancy, and compatibility with water-based systems are desired.
Biotechnology & Laboratory Applications
Researchers use PEG polymers in laboratory workflows, aqueous formulations, biomaterials studies, and biotechnology research applications.
Industrial Processing & Specialty Formulations
PEG 400 is utilized in a variety of industrial formulations where lubrication, moisture management, or processing performance are required.
Solubility & Compatibility
- Readily soluble in water
- Compatible with many aqueous systems
- Historical product information indicates solubility in alcohol, acetone, chloroform, toluene, and dichloromethane
- Compatibility should be verified for specific formulations and processing conditions
Performance depends on concentration, formulation composition, molecular weight distribution, processing conditions, and intended application requirements.
Formulation Considerations
- Select the molecular weight appropriate for the target application
- Evaluate compatibility with formulation ingredients
- Optimize concentration based on desired performance objectives
- Conduct application-specific testing before scale-up or manufacturing use
Handling & Storage
- Store in a cool, dry environment
- Keep container tightly closed when not in use
- Protect from contamination and excessive moisture exposure
- Follow standard laboratory and manufacturing handling procedures
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FAQ
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1. What is PEG 400?
PEG 400 is a low molecular weight polyethylene glycol polymer that is water-soluble, nonionic, and widely used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, laboratory, and industrial formulations.
2. What is PEG 400 used for?
PEG 400 is commonly used in formulation development, excipient research, coatings, personal care products, biotechnology applications, and specialty industrial formulations.
3. Is PEG 400 water soluble?
Yes. PEG 400 is readily soluble in water and is frequently used in aqueous formulation systems.
4. Are polyethylene glycol and poly(ethylene oxide) the same?
Yes. Polyethylene glycol and poly(ethylene oxide) are chemically identical polymers, with terminology generally distinguished by molecular weight conventions.
5. What properties make PEG 400 useful in formulations?
PEG 400 is valued for its water solubility, formulation flexibility, lubricity, humectant properties, and compatibility with a wide range of formulation systems.
Safety & Documentation
Follow standard laboratory and manufacturing handling procedures when working with PEG 400. Refer to the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and technical documentation for complete handling, storage, and safety information.
