Theory of Poly(ethylene glycol) in Solution

The behavior of the poly(ethylene glycol) molecule in aqueous solutions is reviewed, using a comparison of experimental and theoretical means. It is stressed that the understanding of the conformational equilibria for the poly(ethylene glycol) molecule is of large importance both for the description of the phase behavior of poly(ethylene glycol) - water system, as well as for the properties of poly(ethylene glycol) solutions. In particular the influence of additives to the solution is discussed, together with the properties of poly(ethylene glycol) coated surfaces and the use of poly(ethylene glycol) for purifying biochemical compounds.