GPC/SEC Column Recommendations for Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Analysis

Record: 583

Category: Column Selection
Product: SB-802.5
Sample: PEG

Question

Please suggest suitable GPC/SEC column(s) and general method considerations for the separation and analysis of polyethylene glycols (PEGs) in the molecular weight range of 400–4000 Da.
The goal is to separate different PEG grades based on molecular weight.

Answer

For the molecular weight–based separation of polyethylene glycols (PEGs), Shodex recommends polymer-based GPC/SEC columns from the SB series.

The SB series consists of polyhydroxymethacrylate-based SEC columns designed for the analysis of water-soluble polymers and oligomers, including PEGs. These columns provide stable, reproducible separations under aqueous or mixed organic/aqueous conditions commonly used for PEG analysis.

SB-802.5 is well suited for PEGs in the 400–4000 Da molecular weight range and is commonly used to differentiate PEG grades based on molecular weight distribution.

• Appropriate for low–to–mid molecular weight PEGs
• Suitable for resolving PEG oligomer distributions and average MW differences

Method Development Notes:

• Resolution can be improved by connecting multiple SB-series columns in tandem, particularly when separating closely related PEG grades.
• Mobile phase selection (e.g., water or water/organic mixtures) should be optimized based on PEG solubility and detector compatibility.
• Calibration using PEG standards is recommended for accurate molecular weight assignment.

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