Does F68 mean the same grade for every application?

No. F68 is a common commercial designation associated with Poloxamer 188, but particle form, molecular-mass distribution, antioxidant content and application-specific quality controls can differ. A cell-culture or compendial requirement needs the corresponding named grade and supporting specification; the F68 name alone does not establish that status.

Can Poloxamer 407 or another product with CAS 9003-11-6 replace Poloxamer 188?

The shared CAS number covers multiple EO/PO polymer grades. Poloxamer 407 has a different block-composition and molecular-mass profile, with different gelation behaviour. Compare the selected specifications and performance in the intended system before substitution; matching the CAS number does not establish equivalence.

Why can two Poloxamer 188 data sheets show different molecular-mass results?

The test basis matters. Hydroxyl end-group titration estimates number-average molecular mass, while SEC can report number-average, weight-average or peak molecular mass and a distribution. Compare the same measure, method and calibration. Different application grades can also target different distributions even when both meet the same named monograph.

Poloxamer 188 (F68) CAS 9003-11-6

Poloxamer 188 (F68) (CAS 9003-11-6) is a nonionic PEO–PPO–PEO triblock copolymer with hydrophilic polyoxyethylene segments at both ends. Typically supplied as white to off-white powder or prills, it supports wetting, dispersion, emulsification and solubilization in formulation systems. Molecular-mass distribution, antioxidant status and application grade are key selection factors; industrial and cell-culture grades are not automatically equivalent.

CAS: 9003-11-6
Synonyms: Poloxamer 188; P188; F68; Polyether F68; PEO–PPO–PEO triblock copolymer (P188 grade)
Molecular Formula: HO(C2H4O)a(C3H6O)b(C2H4O)cH; variable-length PEO–PPO–PEO chains, not one fixed molecular formula
Grade: Poloxamer 188 / F68; molecular-mass profile, oxyethylene content and antioxidant status specified for the quoted grade
Package: Packing and net weight stated in the quotation for the selected grade and order

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Product Description

1 Product overview

2 Technical information

3 Quality data and analytical methods

4 Related formulation choices

5 Supply documents and handling

Product overview

Poloxamer 188 has a polyoxypropylene middle block between two polyoxyethylene blocks. Commercial material contains polymer chains of differing lengths. Oxyethylene content, average molecular mass and hydroxyl value describe the grade, while particle form and antioxidant content can affect handling and formulation compatibility. The broad CAS number alone does not define these properties.

Technical information

Product	Poloxamer 188 (F68) CAS 9003-11-6
CAS number	9003-11-6
ECHA list number	618-355-0 (ECHA list number for the polymer family)
Molecular formula / identity	HO(C2H4O)a(C3H6O)b(C2H4O)cH; variable-length PEO–PPO–PEO chains, not one fixed molecular formula
Synonyms	Poloxamer 188; P188; F68; Polyether F68; PEO–PPO–PEO triblock copolymer (P188 grade)
Grade	Poloxamer 188 / F68; molecular-mass profile, oxyethylene content and antioxidant status specified for the quoted grade
Packaging	Packing and net weight stated in the quotation for the selected grade and order

Quality data and analytical methods

Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC/GPC) characterizes molecular-mass distribution. Hydroxyl end-group titration provides a number-average molecular-mass estimate; this value is not interchangeable with weight-average or peak molecular mass from SEC. Reverse-phase HPLC (RP-HPLC) can characterize hydrophobic polymer fractions relevant to cell-culture or sensitive formulation grades. These measurements answer different questions and do not constitute a single-molecule “99% purity” assay.

The selected grade specification defines the requirements for water content, antioxidant status and any applicable residual ethylene oxide, propylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane limits. Where volatile-residual limits apply, a validated headspace GC method can quantify the individual analytes. Results need concentration units and a stated method rather than chromatographic area percentages. A pH result also needs its aqueous-solution concentration and test temperature.

Related formulation choices

For industrial wetting and dispersion, PE 6800-type EO/PO/EO block copolymer is a useful grade comparison. Polysorbate 20 and Polyoxyl 35 castor oil offer different nonionic surfactant chemistries for wetting, emulsification or liquid solubilization. Compare their performance in the intended formulation; none is a direct replacement based on a name or CAS number.

PEG-300 serves a different role as a hydrophilic liquid solvent or carrier. It can be considered when selecting the vehicle for a liquid or semi-solid formulation, rather than as an equivalent EO/PO triblock surfactant.

Supply documents and handling

We can provide the Certificate of Analysis (COA), Technical Data Sheet (TDS), Safety Data Sheet (SDS), and relevant quality-test data or chromatograms for the selected Poloxamer 188 grade. For a bulk quotation, send the required quantity, application or reference grade, and destination. The offer specifies the grade, agreed quality controls, packing and net weight.

Keep the material in a closed container under the storage conditions stated in its SDS. Powder and prills require appropriate dust-control and static precautions during transfer. Physical form and handling instructions follow the supplied grade.

FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain

Q:
Does F68 mean the same grade for every application?

A: No. F68 is a common commercial designation associated with Poloxamer 188, but particle form, molecular-mass distribution, antioxidant content and application-specific quality controls can differ. A cell-culture or compendial requirement needs the corresponding named grade and supporting specification; the F68 name alone does not establish that status.
Q:
Can Poloxamer 407 or another product with CAS 9003-11-6 replace Poloxamer 188?

A: The shared CAS number covers multiple EO/PO polymer grades. Poloxamer 407 has a different block-composition and molecular-mass profile, with different gelation behaviour. Compare the selected specifications and performance in the intended system before substitution; matching the CAS number does not establish equivalence.
Q:
Why can two Poloxamer 188 data sheets show different molecular-mass results?

A: The test basis matters. Hydroxyl end-group titration estimates number-average molecular mass, while SEC can report number-average, weight-average or peak molecular mass and a distribution. Compare the same measure, method and calibration. Different application grades can also target different distributions even when both meet the same named monograph.

Ordering & Documentation

Key information for document requests, quotations, and supply planning.

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Product-specific conditions are confirmed before order.

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