A simple procedure for removing contaminating aldehydes and peroxides from aqueous solutions of polyethylene glycols and of nonionic detergents that are based on the polyoxyethylene linkage.

Commercial samples of polyethylene glycol as well as detergents incorporating the polyoxyethylene linkage may contain substantial concentrations of peroxides and aldehydes, as well as aldehyde precursors. Facile procedures for essentially eliminating either the first or all three of these contaminants from concentrated aqueous stock solutions are described. Under some conditions, the purified solutions can be stored at room temperature under aerobic conditions for time periods of weeks without significant decomposition. Possible antioxidants that might be used under other conditions to stabilize such solutions during long-term aerobic studies are considered.