Polyethylene glycol

Description

A water-soluble polymer available in a range of viscosities from a honey-like solution to a hard wax-like block. Polyethylene glycols are used commercially as solvents for dyes, natural resins, and proteins. They are also used as plasticizers for casein, gelatin, glue, zein, cork, and inks. Carbowax® formulations have also been used to slowly replaced water in water-logged wood providing structural support while decreasing wetness. They, however, remain somewhat tacky and can retain dirt that darkens and discolors the artifact.

Synonyms and Related Terms

PEG; poly(oxyethylene); polyglycol; polyether glycol; Carbowax® [Union Carbide]; PEG [Shell Chemical]; Polyethylenglykol (Deut.); macrogol (Fr.); polyetylenglykol (Sven.); polietilenglicol (Esp.)

Other Properties

Average molecular weights range from 200-6000

Soluble or miscible with water and most organic solvents.

Heat stable, inert, low vapor pressure.

Composition	HOCH2(CH2OCH2)nCH2OH
CAS	25322-68-3

Hazards and Safety

Combustible. Non-toxic (used in many foods).

Comparisons

General Characteristics of Polymers

Physical Properties for Selected Thermoplastic Resins

Sources Checked for Data in Record

• Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993

• Hermann Kuhn, Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art and Antiquities, Butterworths, London, 1986

• Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, at http://www.wikipedia.com Comment: dyeshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyethylene_glycol (Accessed Feb. 10, 2006)

• Gordon Hanlon, contributed information, 1998