Polyoxyalkylene glycol DEMET® G-62

What is Polyoxyalkylene glycol?
Polyoxyalkylene glycol is a type of polymer, specifically a polyether, formed by the polymerization of alkylene oxide monomers (such as ethylene oxide or propylene oxide) with a glycol initiator. These polymers are characterized by a backbone of repeating ether linkages and terminal hydroxyl groups. They are a fundamental category of synthetic polyols, with poly(propylene glycol) (PPG) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) being the most common examples. They are versatile water-soluble or water-dispersible liquids or solids that serve as crucial building blocks in numerous chemical syntheses.

Features of Polyoxyalkylene glycol
The key features of polyoxyalkylene glycols include their tunable properties, water solubility, and reactivity. Their molecular weight, hydrophilicity (water-attracting) or hydrophobicity (water-repelling) can be precisely controlled by selecting the type and ratio of alkylene oxides (e.g., ethylene oxide for water solubility, propylene oxide for hydrophobicity). They are generally clear, colorless, and have low toxicity. A critical feature is their terminal hydroxyl groups, which are highly reactive sites that allow them to be chemically incorporated into larger polymer structures, such as polyurethanes, making them versatile intermediates.

Applications of Polyoxyalkylene glycol
Polyoxyalkylene glycols have extensive applications across industries. A primary use is as a key component in producing polyurethane foams, elastomers, coatings, and adhesives. They are also widely used as functional fluids, including as base stocks for synthetic lubricants and brake fluids, and as quenching agents in metalworking. In pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, they serve as solvents, ointment bases, and drug delivery vehicles. Furthermore, they are essential as surfactants and demulsifiers in products like detergents and in the oil & gas industry for process separation.

Price of Polyoxyalkylene glycol
The price of polyoxyalkylene glycol varies significantly based on the specific type, molecular weight, purity, and volume. Common grades like poly(propylene glycol) are commodity chemicals with prices influenced by raw material costs (e.g., propylene oxide) and global supply and demand. Higher-purity or pharmaceutical-grade versions command a premium price. Specialized copolymers or very high molecular weight grades are more expensive due to complex manufacturing processes. Like many petrochemical-derived products, their prices are subject to volatility based on crude oil and natural gas markets.

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