Macrogol 6000 is the name used for polyethylene glycol 6000. The number is the approximate average molecular weight, not a single molecule. It is specified when the melt must sit above PEG 4000 and the hydroxyl value must be lower. It is still water soluble, and it dissolves more slowly than PEG 4000.
PEG 6000, also specified as Macrogol 6000, is a hard waxy solid polyethylene glycol with an average molecular weight of about 6000. Dyna Glycols manufactures it on the ethoxylation plant at Kandla SEZ.
What PEG 6000 / Macrogol 6000 is
Macrogol 6000 is the name used for polyethylene glycol 6000. The number is the approximate average molecular weight, not a single molecule. It is specified when the melt must sit above PEG 4000 and the hydroxyl value must be lower.
It is still water soluble, and it dissolves more slowly than PEG 4000.
Where PEG 6000 is used
PEG 6000 is used as a tablet binder, a lubricant and a release aid in plastics and rubber processing. 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 6000 / Macrogol 6000
Name PEG 6000 or Macrogol 6000, 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 6000 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 400 / Macrogol 400, PEG 600 / Macrogol 600, PEG 1500 / Macrogol 1500, PEG 4000 / Macrogol 4000, 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.