Macrogol 400 is the name used for polyethylene glycol 400. The number is the approximate average molecular weight, not a single molecule. It is the usual liquid polyethylene glycol when a buyer asks for a polyether solvent. It is thicker than PEG 200 and still a liquid, unlike PEG 1500 and the higher waxy grades.
PEG 400, also specified as Macrogol 400, is a water-miscible liquid polyethylene glycol with an average molecular weight of about 400. Dyna Glycols manufactures it on the ethoxylation plant at Kandla SEZ.
What PEG 400 / Macrogol 400 is
Macrogol 400 is the name used for polyethylene glycol 400. The number is the approximate average molecular weight, not a single molecule. It is the usual liquid polyethylene glycol when a buyer asks for a polyether solvent.
It is thicker than PEG 200 and still a liquid, unlike PEG 1500 and the higher waxy grades.
Where PEG 400 is used
PEG 400 is used as a solvent for actives, a humectant, a carrier in cleaners and a feedstock when the same plant later makes a PEG ester. Laboratory and industrial formulae that need a water-soluble polyether with two hydroxyls should name this molecular weight rather than a surfactant HLB.
How to specify PEG 400 / Macrogol 400
Name PEG 400 or Macrogol 400, the hydroxyl window, colour and water, and either viscosity for a liquid or melting range for a solid. Say whether the grade will be esterified later, because residual water then matters.
An industrial PEG 400 lot is not automatically a pharmacopoeia or food pack. If the receiving laboratory will run a Macrogol monograph, residual ethylene oxide, 1,4-dioxane, ethylene glycol or diethylene glycol, attach that list at the enquiry. Dyna Glycols will not invent USP, EP or IP status for a lot that was not released that way.
Quality, documents and supply
Each lot is released against the agreed molecular-weight tests. SDS, TDS and COA follow a short company check. Liquid grades are packed in drums or IBCs. Solid grades are packed in bags or drums and should be kept dry.
Typical grades
The same family includes PEG 200 / Macrogol 200, PEG 600 / Macrogol 600, PEG 1500 / Macrogol 1500, PEG 4000 / Macrogol 4000, PEG 6000 / Macrogol 6000, PEG 8000 / Macrogol 8000. The map of the range is on the polyethylene glycol page. Intermediate molecular weights can be quoted when a catalogue point is close but not exact.
Next step
Need a specification for this chemistry?
Tell us the substrate, EO/PO moles and the application. We will confirm a catalogue grade or a custom batch.