Polyethylene Glycol 300: Properties, Uses, and Applications
Polyethylene Glycol 300 (PEG 300) is a low-molecular-weight, water-miscible polyethylene glycol supplied as a liquid for use as a solvent, carrier, humectant, lubricant, or formulation ingredient. Its nominal average molar mass is 300 g/mol; because PEG is made up of molecules with different chain lengths, this figure describes an average rather than one exact molecular structure. Buyers should match the required grade and product specifications to the application, then confirm them against the supplier’s current technical data sheet and certificate of analysis.
This guide explains PEG 300’s basic properties, common application areas, grade considerations, and practical sourcing questions. It is intended for formulators, procurement teams, and manufacturers making an initial B2B assessment. Actual suitability depends on the full formulation, process conditions, and applicable product or regulatory requirements.
Key Takeaways
- PEG 300 is a liquid polyethylene glycol with a nominal average molar mass of 300 g/mol and a distribution of chain lengths.
- It is generally water-miscible and contains hydroxyl end groups and ether linkages, making it useful in a range of formulations.
- Common roles include solvent, carrier, humectant, lubricant, and intermediate, depending on the application and grade.
- Before purchasing, compare the intended grade, specifications, documentation, packaging, minimum order quantity, and delivery terms.
Who This Guide Is For
This guide is for B2B buyers evaluating PEG 300 for an existing formula, a new product, or a manufacturing process. It can help identify the questions to resolve before requesting samples or a quotation. It does not replace application testing, regulatory review, or confirmation of the specific batch specification.
What Is Polyethylene Glycol 300?
Polyethylene glycol is a family of polymers commonly represented as HO–(CH₂CH₂O)n–H. The number in “PEG 300” refers to a nominal average molar mass of approximately 300 g/mol, not a single chain length shared by every molecule in the material. Each ethylene oxide repeat unit contributes about 44.05 g/mol, while the chain ends also contribute to the molecule’s mass; PEG 300 therefore has an average chain length of roughly six to seven repeat units.
This molecular-weight range is associated with a liquid product at ordinary room conditions. PEG 300 is generally miscible with water, although compatibility with other ingredients should be confirmed in the actual formulation. Its hydroxyl end groups and ether linkages help explain why it can interact with water and serve as a carrier or solvent in suitable systems.
Typical Property Overview
| Property | General description | Buyer consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal average molar mass | Approximately 300 g/mol | Confirm the supplier’s stated specification and test method. |
| Physical form | Typically a liquid under ordinary ambient conditions | Check handling and storage instructions on the product documentation. |
| Water compatibility | Generally water-miscible | Test the complete formulation, especially when salts or other solvents are present. |
| Composition | Distribution of PEG chain lengths rather than one molecular species | Review the applicable quality limits on the technical data sheet and certificate of analysis. |
These descriptions are general characteristics, not a batch-specific guarantee. Values such as water content, acidity, color, or viscosity can depend on the grade, specification, and measurement method. For comparisons between suppliers, request values measured under stated conditions, including a reference temperature such as 20–25 °C where relevant.
Common Uses and Applications
Solvent and Carrier
PEG 300 may be used as a solvent or carrier where its water compatibility and liquid form fit the formulation. It can help incorporate selected ingredients or provide a liquid medium for processing. Compatibility is ingredient-specific, so formulators should assess solubility, stability, and performance in the finished system rather than assuming that all components will blend uniformly.
Humectant and Formulation Ingredient
In suitable formulations, PEG 300 can contribute moisture-retaining or conditioning properties. It may be considered for personal-care, household, or other formulated products when the grade meets the application’s requirements. Use in a regulated or consumer-facing product requires separate review of the relevant ingredient, purity, labeling, and market rules.
Lubricant, Processing Aid, or Intermediate
Manufacturers may evaluate PEG 300 as a lubricant or processing aid where a liquid, water-compatible material is useful. It can also serve as a chemical intermediate or formulation component in industrial processes. The correct choice depends on contact materials, process temperature, dilution, downstream performance, and any restrictions on residues or product contact.
How to Select PEG 300 for Your Application
1. Define the Function
Start by stating what PEG 300 needs to do: dissolve or carry another ingredient, retain moisture, lubricate a process, or serve as an intermediate. A clear functional target helps distinguish between requirements that matter and specifications that do not affect performance. If the material has several roles, list them in order of priority.
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2. Identify the Required Grade
Industrial, personal-care, pharmaceutical, and other application grades are not automatically interchangeable. Ask the supplier to identify the offered grade and provide relevant documentation for your intended use. Do not infer a regulatory status, certification, or suitability from the product name alone.
3. Compare Specifications and Test Methods
Review the technical data sheet and request a batch-specific certificate of analysis where appropriate. Compare the limits for properties that affect your process, such as appearance, water content, acidity, or viscosity, and check how each property is tested. Matching a number without matching its test method or sampling basis may not provide a meaningful comparison.
4. Test in the Real Formulation
Evaluate PEG 300 at the intended concentration and under representative processing and storage conditions. Check mixing behavior, appearance, stability, and performance alongside the other ingredients. A small-scale trial can identify formulation issues before a larger purchase, but it does not replace any formal qualification or compliance review required by your organization.
Pricing, MOQ, and Lead Time
The price of PEG 300 can vary with grade, specification, order quantity, packaging, destination, and market conditions. Minimum order quantities and lead times are supplier- and shipment-specific, so they should be confirmed for each request rather than assumed from a general product listing. For a comparable quotation, provide the intended grade, required volume, destination, packaging preference, and any documentation or quality requirements.
When planning procurement, consider the full landed cost and continuity of supply, not only the quoted unit price. Confirm whether the quoted product matches the approved specification and ask how changes to packaging, batch documentation, or delivery terms would affect the offer. For recurring demand, share an estimated schedule so the supplier can assess suitable order planning.
Supplier Evaluation Checklist
- Can the supplier clearly identify the PEG 300 grade and provide current technical documentation?
- Can the supplier confirm batch documentation and the specification limits relevant to your application?
- Are packaging, minimum order quantity, lead time, shipping terms, and destination requirements stated clearly?
- Can the supplier discuss sample evaluation, specification alignment, and any application-specific questions?
- Are regulatory or quality statements supported by documents relevant to the exact product and market?
Reliable supplier evaluation is based on verifiable documentation and a clear understanding of the buyer’s requirements. If a requirement is critical, request written confirmation before placing an order. Keep the approved specification and agreed documents with the purchasing record to support consistent future sourcing.
Working with OXIRANCHEM
OXIRANCHEM supports B2B buyers evaluating polyethylene glycol 300 by discussing product requirements, intended application, documentation needs, packaging, and shipment expectations. Sharing your target specification and destination helps us assess the appropriate supply option and prepare a relevant quotation. Availability, grade details, minimum order quantity, and lead time should be confirmed for each inquiry.
Conclusion
Polyethylene Glycol 300 is a low-molecular-weight, generally water-miscible liquid PEG used as a solvent, carrier, humectant, lubricant, or formulation ingredient in suitable applications. Its nominal average molar mass is 300 g/mol, but the material contains a distribution of chain lengths, and product specifications can vary by grade and supplier. The best selection is the one that meets your functional, quality, regulatory, and sourcing requirements.
As a next step, define the intended use, required grade, key specification limits, volume, and delivery destination. Then request the current technical data sheet, relevant batch documentation, and a quotation for review. Contact OXIRANCHEM with these details to discuss PEG 300 supply options for your project.