Ethyl Pyrrolidone, N-Ethylpyrrolidone, N-Ethyl-2-pyrrolidinone, NEP, DDR1, 2687-91-4
N-ETHYL-2-PYRROLIDONE (NEP) - TECHNICAL DATA SHEET (TDS)
CAS Number: 2687-91-4
EC Number (EINECS): 220-250-6
Molecular Formula: C₆H₁₁NO
Molecular Weight: 113.16 g/mol
UNSPSC Code: 12352203
SECTION 1: PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY
| Parameter |
Description |
| Chemical Name (IUPAC) |
1-Ethylpyrrolidin-2-one |
| Other Names |
N-Ethyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-Ethylpyrrolidone, NEP, N-Ethyl-2-pyrrolidinone, DDR1, Ethyl Pyrrolidone, 1-Ethyl-2-pyrrolidinone |
| CAS Number |
2687-91-4 |
| EC Number (EINECS) |
220-250-6 |
| Molecular Formula |
C₆H₁₁NO |
| Molecular Weight |
113.16 g/mol |
| Chemical Class |
Lactam (pyrrolidone derivative) |
| Structure |
Five-membered lactam ring with ethyl substituent at nitrogen position |
| Appearance |
Colorless, clear liquid |
| Odor |
Mild, amine-like |
| UNSPSC Code |
12352203 |
SECTION 2: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
| Property |
Value / Range |
| Molecular Formula |
C₆H₁₁NO |
| Molecular Weight |
113.16 g/mol |
| Appearance |
Colorless, clear liquid |
| Odor |
Mild, amine-like |
| Melting Point |
87.5 - 88.5°C |
| Boiling Point |
97°C (at 20 mmHg) |
| Density (25°C) |
0.992 g/mL |
| Refractive Index (n²⁰D) |
1.465 |
| Flash Point |
91°C (Pensky-Martens) |
| Vapor Pressure (20°C) |
18 Pa |
| Solubility in Water |
Completely miscible (~1000 g/L @ 23°C) |
| pH (100 g/L in water) |
8 - 9 (basic) |
| Explosion Limits |
1.3% - 7.7% (v/v) |
| Autoignition Temperature |
~290°C |
| Viscosity (25°C) |
~3.5 cP |
| Water Hazard Class (WGK Germany) |
WGK 1 (low hazard to water) |
| Organic Solubility |
Miscible with ethanol, acetone, ethyl acetate, toluene, chloroform |
| Ionic Character |
Aprotic polar solvent |
| Dielectric Constant (25°C) |
~45 |
SECTION 3: SOLUBILITY PROFILE
| Solvent |
Solubility |
Condition |
| Water |
Completely miscible (~1000 g/L) |
23°C |
| Methanol |
Completely miscible |
- |
| Ethanol |
Completely miscible |
- |
| Acetone |
Completely miscible |
- |
| Ethyl Acetate |
Completely miscible |
- |
| Toluene |
Completely miscible |
- |
| Chloroform |
Completely miscible |
- |
| Dimethylformamide (DMF) |
Completely miscible |
- |
| Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) |
Completely miscible |
- |
| Aliphatic Hydrocarbons |
Limited |
- |
| Ether |
Completely miscible |
- |
Critical Note: NEP is completely miscible with water and most organic solvents. Its high polarity and aprotic character make it a valuable solvent in electronics, pharmaceutical, and polymer industries.
SECTION 4: CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIONS
| Property |
Description |
| Chemical Class |
Lactam (pyrrolidone derivative) |
| Functional Group |
Amide (lactam ring) with ethyl substituent |
| Reactivity |
Low under normal conditions |
| N-Alkylation |
Used in synthesis of pyrrolidone derivatives |
| Photocuring |
Used in polymer surface modifications |
| Solvation |
High solvency for both polar and apolar substances |
| Hydrolysis |
Slow hydrolysis in strong acidic/basic conditions |
| Thermal Decomposition |
> 300°C releases nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) and carbon oxides |
| Oxidation |
Stable under normal conditions |
4.1. Key Reactions
| Reaction Type |
Description |
| N-Alkylation |
Used in production of NMP, NEP derivatives |
| Photocuring |
In polymer surface modifications |
| Solvation |
High solubility with polar and apolar substances |
| Transesterification |
Can react with esters |
4.2. Stability
| Parameter |
Information |
| Thermal Stability |
Stable under normal conditions |
| Hydrolytic Stability |
Stable at neutral pH; hydrolysis in strong acids/bases |
| UV Stability |
Good |
| Oxidation Stability |
Good |
| Incompatibilities |
Strong oxidizers, strong acids (at elevated temperature), strong bases (at elevated temperature) |
| Decomposition Products |
Nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), CO, CO₂ |
SECTION 5: SPECTRAL DATA
| Parameter |
Value |
| FTIR (KBr, cm⁻¹) |
2950 (C-H aliphatic), 1680 (C=O amide), 1450 (C-H bend), 1280 (C-N), 1120 (C-C) |
| ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, ppm) |
3.35 (q, 2H, N-CH₂), 3.30 (t, 2H, ring CH₂-N), 2.40 (t, 2H, ring CH₂-CO), 2.00 (m, 2H, ring CH₂), 1.15 (t, 3H, ethyl CH₃) |
| ¹³C-NMR (CDCl₃, ppm) |
175.0 (C=O), 49.0 (N-CH₂), 42.0 (ring CH₂-N), 31.0 (ring CH₂-CO), 29.0 (ring CH₂), 13.0 (ethyl CH₃) |
| Mass Spectrometry (EI-MS) |
113 [M]⁺, 98 [M-CH₃]⁺, 84 [C₄H₆NO]⁺ |
SECTION 6: PURITY AND QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS
| Parameter |
Standard Grade |
High Purity Grade |
| Purity (GC) |
≥ 98.0% |
≥ 99.0% |
| Appearance |
Colorless, clear liquid |
Colorless, clear liquid |
| Color (APHA) |
≤ 100 |
≤ 50 |
| Density (25°C) |
0.990 - 0.994 g/mL |
0.991 - 0.993 g/mL |
| Refractive Index (n²⁰D) |
1.464 - 1.466 |
1.465 - 1.466 |
| Water Content (KF) |
≤ 0.5% |
≤ 0.2% |
| Acid Value |
≤ 0.5 mg KOH/g |
≤ 0.2 mg KOH/g |
| Ash Content |
≤ 0.1% |
≤ 0.05% |
| Color (Hazen) |
≤ 100 |
≤ 50 |
| pH (100 g/L in water) |
8 - 9 |
8 - 9 |
SECTION 7: MAJOR APPLICATIONS AND END-USES
7.1. Solvent Applications
| Application |
Function |
Suitability |
| Electronics Industry |
Low-volatility solvent |
High |
| Pharmaceutical Industry |
Reaction solvent, purification medium |
High |
| Polymer Industry |
Solvent and reaction medium |
High |
| Coatings and Inks |
Low-light stable solvent |
High |
7.2. Chemical Synthesis
| Application |
Function |
Suitability |
| Intermediate |
Polycarboxylic acid production |
High |
| Reaction Medium |
Solvent in organic syntheses |
High |
| Purification |
Crystallization and extraction |
High |
7.3. Surface Modification
| Application |
Function |
Suitability |
| Photocuring |
Fiber photocuring |
High |
| Polymer Modification |
Polymer surface modification |
High |
| Coating Systems |
Carrier solvent |
High |
7.4. Biomedical Applications
| Application |
Function |
Suitability |
| Transdermal Systems |
Skin penetration enhancer (research) |
Limited |
| Drug Formulations |
Co-solvent |
Limited |
7.5. Specialty Applications
| Application |
Function |
Suitability |
| Agricultural Chemicals |
Solvent in pesticide formulations |
Moderate |
| Petroleum Refining |
Extraction solvent |
Moderate |
| Textiles |
Dyeing auxiliary |
Moderate |
SECTION 8: INDUSTRY SUITABILITY MATRIX
| Industry |
Suitability |
Explanation |
| Electronics |
High |
As low-volatility solvent |
| Pharmaceuticals |
High |
Reaction solvent, intermediate |
| Polymers/Plastics |
High |
Solvent, modification agent |
| Coatings and Inks |
High |
Low-light stable solvent |
| Agriculture |
Moderate |
Solvent in pesticide formulations |
| Petroleum Refining |
Moderate |
Extraction solvent |
| Textiles |
Moderate |
Dyeing auxiliary |
| Cosmetics |
Limited |
Only in specific formulations |
| Food |
Not suitable |
Not used as direct food additive |
SECTION 9: TYPICAL USE LEVELS
| Application |
Typical Use Level |
| Polymer Modification |
5% - 30% |
| Pharmaceutical Synthesis |
10% - 50% of reaction volume |
| Coating Systems |
5% - 15% (carrier solvent) |
| Electronics Cleaning |
10% - 100% (as pure solvent) |
| Chemical Syntheses |
10% - 80% of reaction volume |
SECTION 10: OTHER NAMES AND IDENTIFIERS
| Type |
Name / Description |
| IUPAC Name |
1-Ethylpyrrolidin-2-one |
| Commercial Names |
NEP, N-Ethyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-Ethylpyrrolidone |
| Synonyms |
1-Ethyl-2-pyrrolidone, Ethyl Pyrrolidone, N-Ethylpyrrolidone, N-Ethyl-2-pyrrolidinone, DDR1 |
| Common Names |
NEP solvent, Ethyl pyrrolidone, Low-volatility aprotic solvent |
| CAS Number |
2687-91-4 |
| EC Number |
220-250-6 |
| UNSPSC Code |
12352203 |
SECTION 11: PRODUCTION METHOD
| Parameter |
Description |
| Method |
N-Alkylation of 2-Pyrrolidone (with ethyl group) |
| Reactants |
2-Pyrrolidone + Ethyl bromide or ethyl chloride |
| Catalyst |
Alkaline alkylation (e.g., NaOH, KOH) |
| Temperature |
~80 - 100°C |
| Duration |
~8 - 12 hours |
| Purity |
≥ 98% (confirmed by GC) |
| Yield |
High (typical industrial process) |
SECTION 12: ALTERNATIVE PRODUCTS
| Alternative |
CAS Number |
Description |
| N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) |
872-50-4 |
Higher boiling point, more polar |
| 2-Methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MeTHF) |
96-47-9 |
Bio-based alternative |
| Dimethylformamide (DMF) |
68-12-2 |
Similar polarity solvent |
| 2-Pyrrolidone |
616-45-5 |
Precursor for NEP |
| N-Octyl-2-pyrrolidone (NOP) |
2687-94-7 |
Longer chain, more hydrophobic |
SECTION 13: COMPARISON OF PYRROLIDONE DERIVATIVES
| Property |
NEP (C₂) |
NMP (C₁) |
NOP (C₈) |
NDP (C₁₂) |
| Carbon Chain Length |
2 |
1 |
8 |
12 |
| Boiling Point |
97°C (20 mmHg) |
202°C |
170-172°C (15 mmHg) |
High |
| Water Solubility |
Completely miscible |
Completely miscible |
Limited (1.2 g/L) |
Very low |
| Hydrophobicity |
Low |
Low |
Moderate |
High |
| Polarity |
High |
Very high |
Moderate |
Low |
| Volatility |
Moderate |
Low |
Low |
Very low |
| Primary Use |
Solvent, intermediate |
Solvent |
Agriculture, cleaning |
Specialty applications |
SECTION 14: TOXICOLOGY AND HEALTH EFFECTS
| Parameter |
Value / Description |
| GHS Classification |
Warning |
| Hazard Statements |
H315 (Causes skin irritation), H319 (Causes serious eye irritation), H335 (May cause respiratory irritation) |
| Precautionary Statements |
P261 (Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray), P280 (Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection), P302+P352 (IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water), P305+P351+P338 (IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water) |
| Oral LD50 (Rat) |
~3,100 mg/kg |
| Dermal LD50 (Rabbit) |
~2,000 mg/kg |
| Skin Irritation |
Mild irritant |
| Eye Irritation |
Mild irritant |
| Skin Sensitization |
Not sensitizing |
| Mutagenicity |
Negative (Ames test) |
| Carcinogenicity |
Not classified |
| Reproductive Toxicity |
Not classified |
| Target Organs |
Skin, eyes, respiratory system |
SECTION 15: ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIOR
| Parameter |
Value / Description |
| Fish Toxicity (LC50, 96 hours) |
> 100 mg/L |
| Daphnia Toxicity (EC50, 48 hours) |
> 100 mg/L |
| Algae Toxicity (EC50, 72 hours) |
> 100 mg/L |
| Biodegradability |
Readily biodegradable (OECD 301) |
| Bioaccumulation Factor (BCF) |
Low (LogP < 1) |
| Hydrolysis |
Not hydrolytically degradable (stable) |
| Soil Mobility |
High (water soluble) |
| Bioaccumulation Potential |
Low |
| Persistence |
Low (readily biodegradable) |
| Water Hazard Class (WGK Germany) |
WGK 1 (low hazard to water) |
Ecotoxicological Summary: NEP is readily biodegradable (OECD 301) and has low bioaccumulation potential. It shows low toxicity to aquatic organisms (LC₅₀ > 100 mg/L). Classified as WGK 1 (low hazard to water).
SECTION 16: SAFETY MEASURES AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
| Parameter |
Information |
| Respiratory Protection |
Organic vapor cartridge (at elevated temperatures or mist formation) |
| Gloves |
Chemically resistant (nitrile, neoprene, butyl rubber) |
| Eye Protection |
Chemical safety goggles |
| Body Protection |
Chemical-resistant apron |
| Ventilation |
Local exhaust ventilation and general ventilation |
| Engineering Controls |
Closed systems when possible |
SECTION 17: STORAGE INFORMATION
| Parameter |
Information |
| Storage Conditions |
Cool, dry, well-ventilated area |
| Temperature |
Room temperature (15 - 30°C) |
| Container |
Tightly closed, dry, stainless steel or glass containers |
| Materials to Avoid |
Fire, direct sunlight, strong oxidizers, strong acids, strong bases |
| Moisture Sensitivity |
Low (not hygroscopic) |
| Shelf Life |
24 months (under recommended conditions) |
| Packaging |
200 kg drum, 1000 kg IBC |
SECTION 18: TRANSPORT INFORMATION
| Parameter |
Information |
| UN Number |
Not regulated (not classified as dangerous goods) |
| Hazard Class |
Not applicable |
| Packing Group |
Not applicable |
| Proper Shipping Name |
N-Ethyl-2-pyrrolidone |
| ADR/RID |
Not regulated |
| IMDG Code |
Not regulated |
| IATA (Air) |
Not regulated |
| Marine Pollutant |
No |
| Transport Notes |
Keep away from heat; prevent leakage |
SECTION 19: FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES
| Parameter |
Information |
| Fire Hazard |
Combustible liquid (flash point 91°C) |
| Extinguishing Media |
Water fog, foam, CO₂, dry chemical |
| Special Hazards |
When heated, releases nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), CO, CO₂ |
| Decomposition Products |
Nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), CO, CO₂ |
| Protective Equipment |
Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), full protective clothing |
| Explosion Risk |
Vapor/air mixtures potentially explosive (1.3% - 7.7% v/v) |
| Water Use |
Prevent fire-fighting water from entering the environment |
SECTION 20: SUMMARY AND CRITICAL WARNINGS
Product Summary
| Parameter |
Value |
| Product |
N-Ethyl-2-pyrrolidone (NEP) |
| CAS |
2687-91-4 |
| Appearance |
Colorless, clear liquid |
| Density (25°C) |
0.992 g/mL |
| Boiling Point |
97°C (at 20 mmHg) |
| Water Solubility |
Completely miscible (~1000 g/L) |
| Flash Point |
91°C |
| Key Industries |
Electronics, pharmaceuticals, polymers, coatings |
CRITICAL WARNINGS
-
High Polarity: NEP is a highly polar aprotic solvent. It is completely miscible with water and most organic solvents. Its dielectric constant is ~45.
-
Low Volatility: NEP has low vapor pressure (18 Pa @ 20°C), making it a valuable solvent in electronics, pharmaceutical, and polymer industries.
-
Complete Water Miscibility: NEP is completely miscible with water at up to ~1000 g/L. Provides flexibility in aqueous and non-aqueous systems.
-
Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable (OECD 301) with low bioaccumulation potential. Classified as WGK 1 (low hazard to water).
-
Flammability: Combustible liquid with flash point 91°C. Vapor/air mixtures may be explosive at 1.3% - 7.7% (v/v).
-
Skin and Eye Irritation: H315 (Causes skin irritation) and H319 (Causes serious eye irritation). Appropriate PPE required during application.
-
REACH Registration: Registered under EU REACH. Registration required under Turkey KKDİK.
-
Storage: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas. Keep away from strong oxidizers, acids, and bases.
-
Alternatives: NMP has higher boiling point; 2-MeTHF is bio-based alternative; DMF has similar polarity. Choose based on specific application requirements.
-
Not for Food Use: NEP is not approved as a food additive. Use only in technical and industrial applications.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only and is based on available technical data. The user is solely responsible for determining the product's suitability for their specific application and for complying with all applicable local, national, and international regulations. For complete safety, storage, handling, transportation, disposal, and regulatory compliance information, always refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier. Users are responsible for testing the product in their own processes and applications. All local, national, and international regulations must be followed when working with N-Ethyl-2-pyrrolidone.
