PEG 1500 is a polyethylene glycol with a nominal average molecular weight of approximately 1,500 g/mol. At room temperature, it is generally supplied as a waxy solid, flakes, or pastilles, and it is used in formulations and processes that need a water-soluble, relatively low-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol. Common applications include personal care, pharmaceutical formulations, industrial lubricants, and chemical processing, but the appropriate grade depends on the intended use and applicable requirements.
For buyers, the key is to treat “PEG 1500” as a product designation rather than a complete specification. Properties such as melting behavior, moisture content, appearance, and regulatory suitability can vary by supplier and grade. I recommend checking the technical data sheet (TDS), safety data sheet (SDS), and certificate of analysis (CoA) before confirming a purchase.
Polyethylene glycol, or PEG, is a family of polymers made from repeating ethylene oxide units. The number in “PEG 1500” refers to a nominal average molecular weight, not an exact molecular mass shared by every molecule in the product. As with other polymer materials, the product contains a distribution of chain lengths.
A useful structural reference is that an ethylene oxide repeat unit contributes about 44 g/mol. On that basis, a PEG molecule near 1,500 g/mol corresponds to roughly 34 repeat units, although actual chain lengths vary within the material. This calculation helps explain why PEG 1500 behaves differently from both liquid, lower-molecular-weight PEGs and higher-molecular-weight solid grades.
PEG 1500 is commonly described as a white or nearly white solid with a waxy or flake-like appearance, although the supplied form can depend on manufacturing and packaging choices. It generally softens or melts at temperatures above ordinary room temperature. A melting range of about 44–48 °C is often reported for PEG 1500, but buyers should use the supplier’s current specification for the actual material being quoted.
PEG 1500 is water-soluble and can be used where a water-compatible polymer is useful. Its behavior in a formulation also depends on concentration, temperature, other ingredients, and processing conditions. It can contribute to lubrication, binding, plasticization, or adjustment of consistency, but it should not be assumed to perform identically across different formulas or processes.
For an unmodified, difunctional PEG with an average molecular weight near 1,500 g/mol, a theoretical hydroxyl value is approximately 75 mg KOH/g. This is a calculated reference, not a guaranteed batch result or substitute for a measured CoA value. If hydroxyl value, moisture content, or another analytical property is critical, include the required test method and acceptance limits in the purchasing specification.
Do not rely on the grade name alone when comparing offers. Check which properties the supplier specifies and whether the limits meet your process or formulation needs. Depending on the application, relevant items may include appearance, molecular-weight range, melting or solidification behavior, water content, pH of a defined solution, hydroxyl value, and impurity limits.
| Specification area | Why it matters to buyers | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Identity and grade | Helps establish whether the material is suitable for the intended market and process. | Product name, grade designation, and applicable documentation. |
| Physical properties | Influence handling, melting, blending, and storage decisions. | Appearance and supplier-defined melting or softening range. |
| Analytical limits | Support consistency between batches and alignment with internal quality controls. | Test methods, limits, and batch-specific CoA results. |
| Packaging and logistics | Affect handling, transport planning, and material protection. | Available packaging, net weight, lead time, and shipping conditions. |
In personal care and other formulated products, PEG 1500 may be considered as a formulation aid, solvent component, binder, or consistency modifier, depending on the complete formula. Its water compatibility can be useful when blending with aqueous ingredients. Formulators should test compatibility, texture, stability, and performance in the finished product rather than selecting the material on function labels alone.
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PEG 1500 may be used in pharmaceutical formulations where an appropriate polyethylene glycol grade is specified. However, a chemical name or nominal molecular weight does not establish that a product meets a particular pharmacopeial, regulatory, or application requirement. Buyers should verify the grade, supporting documentation, and intended-use suitability with the supplier and their own regulatory or quality teams.
Industrial users may evaluate PEG 1500 for lubrication, binding, plasticization, or other processing functions where a solid, water-compatible PEG is appropriate. It may also serve as an intermediate or formulation component in certain chemical applications. The best fit depends on operating temperature, contact materials, water exposure, process design, and the performance criteria the buyer needs to meet.
PEG 1500 pricing can vary with grade, order volume, packaging, market conditions, and destination. Minimum order quantity and lead time are also supplier- and shipment-specific, so a general figure should not be treated as a firm offer. For a useful quotation, provide the required grade or specification, estimated quantity, destination, packaging preference, and target delivery date.
When comparing quotations, confirm whether the quoted product and documentation meet the same requirements. A lower unit price may not represent equivalent value if the offered grade, package size, or quality documentation differs from your needs. Ask the supplier to identify any specification deviations before placing an order.
A frequent mistake is assuming that every product labeled PEG 1500 has identical physical and analytical properties. Another is treating a typical melting range or theoretical value as a guaranteed specification. Buyers should verify each critical value against the supplier’s current documentation and agree on acceptance criteria before shipment.
It is also important not to confuse general chemical suitability with suitability for a regulated or sensitive application. Requirements can differ by country, product category, and end use. If compliance is important, define the requirement precisely and confirm it with the supplier and the responsible quality or regulatory personnel in your organization.
PEG 1500 is a solid, water-soluble polyethylene glycol with a nominal average molecular weight of approximately 1,500 g/mol. It can be a useful choice for formulation, lubrication, binding, and processing applications when its grade and verified properties match the job. The right selection depends on the intended use, required specifications, and the conditions under which the material will be handled and processed.
To move forward, prepare a short specification covering application, critical test limits, grade or documentation needs, quantity, packaging, and delivery destination. OXIRANCHEM can discuss PEG 1500 supply requirements and help buyers review product documentation and sourcing details. Contact our team with your target specification and order plan to request a quotation or discuss the appropriate supply option.
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