Pharma Excipient · Softgel, Ointment & Laxative
Polyethylene glycol (PEG, macrogol) is the water-soluble polymer used as a solvent, softgel fill, ointment base, coating plasticiser and osmotic laxative. Supplied by Chelora Pharmachem, Mumbai, and delivered across India with a batch COA and SDS.
How Buying Works
Send the PEG grade (200 to 8000), pharmacopoeia (IP, BP, USP-NF or EP), quantity and delivery city. Quote CAS 25322-68-3 so there is no confusion.
Price, lead time and packing in one reply, with the specification, COA and SDS/MSDS for your QA team to review.
Samples can be arranged for QC tests, softgel or ointment trials and vendor qualification before your commercial order.
Packed, labelled and sent with invoice, batch COA and transport documents. Repeat orders are planned with you.
Product Overview
Polyethylene glycol (PEG, macrogol, polyoxyethylene; CAS 25322-68-3) is a family of linear polymers made from ethylene oxide, with the general formula H(OCH2CH2)nOH. The number after the name gives the average molecular weight: PEG 200 to 600 are clear, viscous liquids, while PEG 1500, 4000, 6000 and 8000 are white, waxy solids supplied as flakes or powder. All grades dissolve readily in water, have low toxicity and are described in the IP, BP, USP-NF and Ph. Eur. (as macrogols).
That mix of water solubility, low toxicity and a choice of textures makes PEG one of the most versatile pharmaceutical excipients. Liquid grades act as solvents and co-solvents in oral liquids, softgel fills and injectables; blends of liquid and solid grades form water-washable ointment and suppository bases; solid grades plasticise tablet film coats and help in melt granulation. Macrogol 3350 and 4000 are also the actives in osmotic laxative and bowel-preparation powders, and PEGs serve as humectants and bases in cosmetics and as lubricants, binders and dispersants in industry.
As a chemical supplier in Mumbai, Chelora Pharmachem supplies liquid and solid PEG grades to formulation, nutraceutical, cosmetic and industrial manufacturers across India, with a batch-wise COA, SDS/MSDS and specification for each supply. Tell us the grade number and the pharmacopoeia you work to, and we quote against your specification, from trial lots to regular bulk supply. For softgel and capsule makers, we can also supply pharma-grade gelatin for the capsule shell.
In Depth
PEG is a straight chain of repeating –CH₂CH₂O– (oxyethylene) units with a hydroxyl group at each end. Every batch is a mixture of chain lengths around a nominal average, so a grade is defined by its average molecular weight, hydroxyl value and viscosity rather than by one exact formula. The ether oxygens bind water strongly, which is why PEG is water-soluble, hygroscopic and chemically quite inert.
Short chains give liquids with good solvent power for poorly soluble actives; longer chains give waxy solids that melt between about 44 and 62 °C. Blending liquid and solid grades sets the consistency of an ointment or suppository base. In the gut, high-molecular-weight PEG is not absorbed and holds water by osmosis, which is how macrogol laxatives soften stools.
Ethylene oxide is added step by step to water, ethylene glycol or a short PEG starter in the presence of an alkaline catalyst such as sodium or potassium hydroxide. The ratio of ethylene oxide to starter sets the average chain length. The product is then neutralised and filtered, and solid grades are flaked, milled or spray-dried; a suitable antioxidant may be added.
Liquid PEG 300 and 400 dissolve actives in oral solutions, drops, injectables and softgel fills, and do not soften the gelatin shell. PEG 1500 to 6000 form water-washable ointment and suppository bases, act as binders in melt granulation and plasticise tablet film coats. Macrogol 3350 and 4000 are the active ingredients in osmotic laxative and bowel-cleansing powders.
Confirm the grade number and pharmacopoeia first, then compare hydroxyl value or average molecular weight, viscosity, pH, water and sulphated ash. For oral and parenteral use, look closely at ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol, residual ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, and formaldehyde, which matters for softgels because it can cross-link gelatin. Ask for the COA and SDS of the actual batch.
Chelora Pharmachem supplies polyethylene glycol (CAS 25322-68-3) from its centralized sales office in Mumbai to formulation, softgel, cosmetic and industrial manufacturers across India. Share the grade number, pharmacopoeia, quantity, packing and delivery location, and our team replies with price, lead time and documents, from trial lots to regular bulk supply in drums or bags, packed as your stores require.
Global Sourcing
Our focus is the Indian market. When local supply is short, or you need a specific origin, pharmacopoeia or grade of polyethylene glycol, our international sourcing desk brings it in from trusted producers abroad, and our Mumbai team handles import, documents and delivery to your plant.
Product Profile
The identifiers and properties purchase and QA teams ask for first. Batch values are always confirmed on the COA.
Identity
EC 500-038-2. Also sold as macrogol or PEG, with a grade number giving the average molecular weight.
Repeating –CH₂CH₂O– units with an –OH group at each end of the chain.
Appearance
PEG 200–600: clear, viscous liquids. PEG 1500–8000: white waxy flakes or powder. All grades are hygroscopic.
Solubility
Liquid grades mix with water in all proportions. Practically insoluble in ether, hexane and fatty or mineral oils.
Technical Data
Reference data for PEG, useful when writing a specification, checking an SDS or planning storage and transport.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| IUPAC name | α-Hydro-ω-hydroxypoly(oxyethylene); CAS name poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), α-hydro-ω-hydroxy- |
| Synonyms | Macrogol, PEG, poly(ethylene glycol), polyoxyethylene (POE), polyethylene oxide |
| CAS number | 25322-68-3 |
| EC number | 500-038-2 |
| Molecular formula | H(OCH2CH2)nOH, where n is the average number of oxyethylene units |
| Molar mass | Polymer; the grade number is the nominal average molecular weight (for example, PEG 400 ≈ 400 g/mol) |
| Appearance | PEG 200–600: clear, colourless, viscous, hygroscopic liquids. PEG 1500–8000: white or almost white waxy solids, as flakes or powder |
| Freezing / melting point | About −50 °C (PEG 200), 4–8 °C (PEG 400), 15–25 °C (PEG 600), 42–48 °C (PEG 1500), 53–59 °C (PEG 4000) and 55–62 °C (PEG 6000 and 8000) |
| Boiling point | Not meaningful; PEG decomposes on strong heating before it boils |
| Flash point | Well above 100 °C for common grades; see the batch SDS for the measured value |
| Density | About 1.12–1.13 g/cm³ at 20 °C for liquid grades; about 1.2 g/cm³ for solid grades |
| Viscosity | Rises with chain length; about 105–130 mPa·s at 20 °C for PEG 400 (Ph. Eur.) |
| Solubility in water | Liquid grades are miscible with water; solid grades are very or freely soluble |
| Other solvents | Soluble in ethanol, acetone and methylene chloride (less so for higher grades); practically insoluble in ether, hexane and fatty and mineral oils |
| pH | 4.5–7.5 for a 5% solution in water (USP-NF / IP test) |
| HS code | 3907.29 (other polyethers in primary forms); confirm the tariff line with your customs broker |
| Transport | Generally not regulated as a dangerous good for road, sea or air; confirm with the batch SDS |
Literature values for reference. Supplied material is tested batch-wise and reported on the COA.
Applications
The grade number decides the job: liquid PEGs dissolve, solid PEGs give body, and both are used well beyond pharma, in cosmetics and industry.
PEG 300 and 400 dissolve poorly water-soluble actives in oral solutions, drops and injectables, and form the fill of many soft gelatin capsules. They mix with water, ethanol and glycerin and do not soften the gelatin shell; low-formaldehyde material is preferred for softgels.
Liquid grades 200–600
Blends of liquid and solid PEGs, such as PEG 400 with PEG 3350 or 4000, give water-washable ointment bases that spread easily and rinse off. Solid grades from 1000 to 6000, blended for firmness, make suppository bases that dissolve in body fluids rather than melting.
Topical & rectal bases
Solid PEGs such as 4000, 6000 and 8000 plasticise HPMC film coats, act as binders and lubricants in melt granulation, and form solid dispersions that can improve the dissolution of poorly soluble actives. They are also used to polish coated tablets.
Solid grades 4000–8000
Macrogol 3350 and 4000 are the active ingredients in osmotic laxative powders and, combined with electrolytes, in bowel-cleansing solutions taken before colonoscopy. They are not absorbed and hold water in the bowel. Finished products follow their own monographs and registrations.
Active ingredient grade
In creams, lotions, toothpastes and hair care, PEGs work as humectants, solvents and bases, listed under INCI names such as PEG-8 for PEG 400. Industry uses them as lubricants, mould-release agents, binders, dispersants and plasticisers in ceramics, inks, textiles and rubber.
Humectant & technical uses
Quality & Compliance
Every supply is backed by the documents your QA, regulatory and stores teams expect.
COA, batch-wise
Tests, limits and results for the exact batch you receive, shared before dispatch.
SDS / MSDS
Hazards, safe handling, storage, transport and first-aid measures for PEG.
Technical data
Typical properties and the specification we supply against, to match with your in-house spec.
On request
Additional documents for vendor approval and audits can be arranged on request.
Safety & Handling
A short summary for stores, production and EHS teams. It does not replace the Safety Data Sheet supplied with every batch.
Polyethylene glycol is generally not classified as hazardous under GHS, and major supplier SDSs list no pictogram, signal word or hazard statement. Grades with additives may differ, so check the SDS of the batch for the classification that applies.
Wear safety glasses and gloves as good practice, and a dust mask where powder grades form dust. Wash skin after contact, and do not eat, drink or smoke while handling.
Keep containers tightly closed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated store, away from strong oxidising agents and heat. Liquid grades are hygroscopic, and solid grades may cake if they take up moisture.
Polyethylene glycol is generally not regulated as a dangerous good for road, sea or air transport and has no UN number. Confirm with the transport section of the batch SDS.
Spilled liquid makes floors very slippery: soak it up with an inert absorbent and wash the area with water. Sweep up solids without raising dust, and keep large spills out of drains and water courses.
PAN India Delivery
From our centralized sales office in Mumbai, we supply PEG to buyers in every major manufacturing cluster.
MumbaiMumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Tarapur, Boisar, Pune and Aurangabad.
AhmedabadAhmedabad, Vadodara, Ankleshwar and Vapi.
HyderabadHyderabad and Visakhapatnam.
BaddiBaddi and Haridwar.
GoaPharma and chemical units across Goa.
BengaluruBengaluru and Chennai.
IndoreIndore, Pithampur and Sikkim.
Specification
A typical specification for pharmacopoeia-grade PEG 400 to Ph. Eur. Limits for other grades, and for IP, BP or USP-NF, follow the ordered monograph. Share your specification and we quote against it.
The Chemistry
Made
Ethylene oxide is added to water or ethylene glycol in the presence of an alkaline catalyst. The more ethylene oxide per starter molecule, the longer the chains and the higher the grade number. The product is then neutralised, filtered, and flaked or milled for solid grades.
Used
In most formulations PEG is not chemically changed: it dissolves, binds, plasticises or holds water. Its two end hydroxyl groups can, however, be esterified or etherified, which is how PEG esters, methoxy PEG and the reagents for PEGylated drugs are made.
Tested
Each batch is reported on a COA covering appearance, identification, hydroxyl value or average molecular weight, viscosity, pH, water and sulphated ash, plus limits for ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, ethylene oxide, 1,4-dioxane and formaldehyde as the ordered pharmacopoeia requires.
Stored
PEG absorbs moisture from the air, and slow oxidation in heat and air can raise formaldehyde and peroxide levels over time. Keep drums and bags tightly closed, cool and dry, ideally at about 5–25 °C, away from strong oxidising agents, and follow the SDS.
Glossary
Terms you will meet on quotations, specifications and documents for PEG.
FAQ
Anything else, call +91 98191 11179 or write to source@chelorapharmachem.com.
Request a QuotePolyethylene glycol (CAS 25322-68-3) is used as a solvent and co-solvent, softgel fill, ointment and suppository base, tablet binder and film-coat plasticiser, and, as macrogol 3350 or 4000, as an osmotic laxative. It is also a humectant and base in cosmetics and a lubricant, binder and dispersant in industry.
The CAS number is 25322-68-3 and the EC number is 500-038-2. Its general formula is H(OCH2CH2)nOH. One CAS number covers every grade from liquid PEG 200 to solid PEG 8000, so always state the grade number on your enquiry as well.
Yes. Macrogol is the pharmacopoeia name for polyethylene glycol, used in the BP and Ph. Eur. Macrogol 400, PEG 400 and polyethylene glycol 400 all describe the same grade, CAS 25322-68-3.
Polypropylene glycol (PPG, CAS 25322-69-4) is made from propylene oxide, not ethylene oxide. It is less water-soluble, and its solubility falls quickly as molecular weight rises, so it serves mainly industrial uses. PEG is also different from propylene glycol, a small single molecule with CAS 57-55-6.
No. PEGylated drugs and proteins, PEG esters such as PEG stearates, and methoxy PEG are made by chemically attaching PEG chains to other molecules, and each has its own identity and specification. This page covers plain polyethylene glycol (macrogol) grades used as excipients.
We supply liquid PEG 200, 300, 400 and 600 and solid PEG 1500, 4000, 6000 and 8000 in IP, BP, USP-NF and EP grades, plus technical grades for industrial use, subject to availability. Other grades, such as PEG 1000 or 3350, can be sourced on request. The number is the average molecular weight.
Keep it in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry and well-ventilated store, away from strong oxidising agents and heat. PEG is hygroscopic and slowly oxidises in warm air, so close part-used drums promptly. Follow the storage section of the SDS supplied with the batch.
Polyethylene glycol is generally classified under HS subheading 3907.29, which covers other polyethers in primary forms. Some waxy grades may instead be classified under 3404.20 as artificial waxes. Confirm the full national tariff code with your customs broker before import or export.
Polyethylene glycol is generally not classified as hazardous under GHS, and it is widely used in medicines and cosmetics. Even so, spilled liquid is very slippery, dust from powder grades should be controlled, and the SDS of the batch should be read before handling.
Polyethylene glycol is generally not regulated as a dangerous good for road, sea or air transport. Always check the transport section of the SDS supplied with the batch.
We provide a batch-wise Certificate of Analysis (COA), SDS/MSDS and specifications. Additional documents for vendor qualification can be arranged on request. Tell us your pharmacopoeia and in-house specification when you enquire.
Yes. We handle requirements from samples and trial lots for R&D, formulation and vendor approval up to regular bulk supply for commercial production, subject to product availability.
We supply buyers across India, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim, from our centralized sales office in Mumbai.
Email source@chelorapharmachem.com or source@cheloragroup.com, call +91 98191 11179, or use the enquiry form on this page. Include the quantity, grade, delivery location and target date.
Request a Quote
Tell us the quantity, grade and delivery location. Our centralized sales team replies with competitive pricing, lead time and documentation.
