Polyglykol 600

PEG are non-toxic and physiologically safe so no special safety precautions need to be taken when handling them. For many applications, particularly in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and foodstuffs packging, the physiological safety of PEG is important. When administered orally and cutaneously they are to be rated as non-toxic. The vapour pressure of PEG is so low that inhalation of relevant amounts is impossible. Because of their good physiological tolerability PEG were first included in the US pharmacopoeia already in 1950. Since then they have been listed in numerous pharmacopoeias. The tolerability of PEG in animals improves as the degree of polymerization rises. PEG have no toxic or irritant effect on the skin. Because of low toxicity it was not possible to establish an exact LD₅₀ resulting from skin penetration.

Ecological Data
The behaviour of PEG in effluent is a matter of crucial importance, e.g. in their industrial use in the textile sector and in metal processing. The rate of biodegradation of PEG decreases with increasing molar mass. PEG up to molar mass 1500 are regarded as readily biodegrad able (Zahn-Wellens test). The microbiological degradation of other substances is not inhibited by the presence of PEG. The toxic inhibition limit for bacteria in the fermentation tube test is 5000 mg/l. Investigations within our own labs have shown that even in concentrations of 10000 mg/kg (1%) polyethylene glycols have no adverse effect on fish (crucian carp). Polyethylene glycols in concentration up to 10000 mg/l exhibit no harmful effect of any kind towards daphnia and protozoa. The German water hazard class is WGK 1.

Waste Disposal
Any PEG to be disposed of waste can be taken, in accordance with the local regulations, to a special waste incineration plant. None of PEG, in concentrations up to 10,000 mg/l water, demonstrates an acute harmful effect on fish or bacteria. PEG with molar masses of 200 to 1500 have good biodegradability. It is therefore possible to take them to a biological sewage treatment plant after consulting the operator provided the water and waste regulations permit.

INCI-PEG	12
Hazen Colour 25% a.i.in water	max. 15
Molecular Mass [g/mol]	570-630
OH value [mg koh/g]	178-197
Solidification point [°C]	17-22
Viscosity at 20°C [mPa·s]	50% 17-18
Viscosity at 98.8°C=270°F [mm²/s]	9.9-11.3
PH 5% aqueous solution	5.0-7.5
Water content [% M/M]	max. 1
Density at 20°C [g/cm³]	1.126
Vapour pressure at 20°C [hPa]	< 0.01
Solubility in Water at 20°C [% M/M]	∞

Polyglykol 600 can be used in liquid pharmaceutical preparations such as drops or fillings for gelatin capsules. 

It is also used in toothpastes where it improves consistency and storage stability. It acts as a moisturizer in antiperspirants, shampoos and liquid soaps, hair styling products and bar soap.

Polyglykol 600 can also be used in bath oils and foam baths to assist the solubilizing action of the active substances for perfume oils.

It is also an ideal carrier for sodium stearate and sodium aluminium hydroxylactate in deodorants, perfumes and insect-repellent sticks.

PEG 600 is stable for 2 years when stored in the original sealed containers in a cool, dry place.

Furthermore the containers should not be exposed to direct sun light. Ambient temperatures for long term storage are preferably between 10°C and 25°C and between 0°C and 30°C as maximum. Storage at higher temperatures is possible only for a short time and should be kept below the solidification point of the products.

The most suitable material for storage tanks is stainless steel, pure aluminium, rubber-or polyethylenelined containers and storage tanks made from glass-fibre-reinforced polyester (GRP). The tank should be ventilated by means of a silica gel dryer. Conventional steel tanks are of limited suitability because after prolonged storage the product may become discoloured owing to traces of iron.

PEG 600 solidifies when stored in a cool place and must be melted before use. This is best carried out in heating chambers, but the outside temperature should not exceed about 60°C. This must also be ensured when electrical drum heaters are used. Electrical immersion heaters are not suitable for melting due to the high thermal stress occurring.