Analytical characterization of PEG polymers by MEKC

Characterization of PEGs with average molecular masses of up to 2000 has been achieved using MEKC with UV detection. A rapid derivatization procedure with phenyl isocyanate using microwave radiation, in order to introduce chromophore groups in PEGs, has been developed involving a reaction time of 60 s. Different optimized conditions in accordance with the molecular weight have been studied to obtain the oligomer separation. The weight‐average molecular mass the number‐average molecular mass and the degree of polydispersity (molecular mass distribution) were calculated for the different PEGs obtaining similar results with those certified for standards. A good precision was obtained for characterizing the different oligomers. Ethylene glycol was used as the internal standard for the analysis of low‐molecular‐weight PEGs. The developed method was satisfactorily applied to the characterization of these polymers in several real samples, such as lubricant eye drops, toothpaste, tap water and eye make‐up remover.