Peg-9M is a chemical compound formed by the polymerization of ethylene oxide.

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• "Peg" stands for "Polyethylene Glycol", which is a polymer of ethylene oxide.
• "9M" indicates the average molecular weight of the polyethylene glycol, suggesting it has a medium-length polyethylene glycol chain.  (9000 mol EO average molar ratio)

Description of the raw materials used in production and their functions:

• Ethylene oxide. This is the monomer used to form the polymer polyethylene glycol (PEG). When ethylene oxide polymerizes, it forms polyethylene glycol.

Step-by-step industrial synthesis:

• Ethylene oxide is fed into a reactor under controlled conditions.
• A catalyst is introduced to start the polymerization reaction.
• The mixture is heated to facilitate the polymerization reaction.
• As the reaction proceeds, ethylene oxide molecules link together, forming long chains of polyethylene glycol.
• Once the desired polymer length is achieved (in this case about 9000 Dalton), the reaction is halted, and the resulting PEG-9M is cooled and purified.

It appears in the form of a white powder.

What it is for and where

Cosmetics

Binder agent. Ingredient that is used in cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical products as an anti-caking agent with the function of making the product in which it is incorporated silky, compact and homogenous. The binder, either natural such as mucilage, gums and starches or chemical, may be in the form of a powder or liquid.

Emulsion stabiliser. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable. Emulsion stabilisers improve the formation and stability of single and double emulsions. as well as their shelf-life. It should be noted that in the structure-function relationship, the molar mass of the ingredient used plays an important role.

Viscosity control agent. It controls and adapts, Increasing or decreasing, viscosity to the required level for optimal chemical and physical stability of the product and dosage in gels, suspensions, emulsions, solutions. 

CAS   25322-68-3

Commercial Applications

Cosmetics. PEG-9M is commonly used in cosmetic products as a humectant, emollient, and solvent. It can be found in creams, lotions, and other skin care products.

Hair Care Products. It might be used in conditioners and hair treatments, where it helps improve product texture and spreadability.

Pharmaceutical. PEG-9M can be employed in pharmaceutical formulations as an excipient, solubilizing agent, or as a vehicle to deliver drugs.

Industry. It can be used in various industrial applications, such as lubricants or antifoaming agents, owing to its physical properties.