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Send EmailMethyl Pyrrolidone, N-Methyl Pyrrolidon, NMP, 872-50-4
N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP)
1. Product Identity
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) |
| CAS Number | 872-50-4 |
| Molecular Formula | C₅H₉NO |
| Molecular Weight | 99.13 g/mol |
| Chemical Name | 1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidinone |
| Other Names | N-Methylpyrrolidone, N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, NMP, Pharmasolve |
2. Product Description
N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) is a versatile dipolar aprotic solvent widely used across numerous industries. It is a colorless liquid that is miscible with water and most organic solvents. Due to its excellent solvency power, low volatility, and aprotic nature, NMP plays a critical role in both chemical synthesis and industrial applications.
Key Characteristics:
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Dipolar aprotic solvent
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High solvency power
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Low volatility
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Miscible with water and organic solvents
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Excellent chemical stability
3. Physical and Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Odor | Mild, amine-like |
| Molecular Weight | 99.13 g/mol |
| Density | 1.028 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | -24 °C |
| Boiling Point | 202–204 °C |
| Flash Point | 91 °C (closed cup) |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.29 mmHg at 20°C |
| Viscosity | 1.65 cP at 25°C |
| Refractive Index | 1.468 at 20°C |
| Solubility | Miscible with water, alcohols, ethers, ketones, aromatic hydrocarbons |
| pH | 7.5-10.0 (10% aqueous solution) |
| Stability | Stable under normal conditions |
4. Applications and Uses
4.1. Chemical and Polymer Industry
| Application | Function |
|---|---|
| Polymer Dissolution | Used for dissolving high-performance polymers such as PVDF, PAN, PEEK |
| Resin Production | Acts as additive solvent in epoxy and polyurethane systems |
| Organic Synthesis | Reaction medium for alkylation of aromatic compounds, amidation, and cross-linking reactions |
4.2. Pharmaceutical Industry
| Application | Function |
|---|---|
| API Production | Used to increase solubility of active pharmaceutical ingredients |
| Transdermal Formulations | Acts as co-solvent in drug delivery systems |
| Oral Formulations | Co-solvent in pharmaceutical preparations |
| Sterile Production | Preferred as GMP-compliant solvent in sterile manufacturing environments |
4.3. Lithium-Ion Battery Production
| Application | Function |
|---|---|
| Electrode Coating Solvent | Ensures homogeneous distribution of cathode and anode materials |
| Binder Compatibility | High solubility with PVDF binders |
4.4. Petrochemical and Refinery
| Application | Function |
|---|---|
| 1,3-Butadiene Recovery | Selective solvent in gas separation systems |
| Acetylene Recovery | Selective solvent for acetylene |
| Sulfur Removal | H₂S absorbent in hydrodesulfurization processes |
4.5. Paint and Coating Industry
| Application | Function |
|---|---|
| Pigment Dispersion | Ensures homogeneous distribution in paint formulations |
| Paint Stripper | Effective solvent on metal and plastic surfaces |
| Resin Dissolution | Used for viscosity control of coating resins |
4.6. Electronics and Semiconductor Industry
| Application | Function |
|---|---|
| Circuit Board Cleaning | Removal of residues after photolithography |
| Surface Treatment Solvent | Preferred in preparation of metal-coated plastics |
4.7. Agriculture and Pesticide Formulations
| Application | Function |
|---|---|
| Emulsion Stabilizer | Dissolves active ingredients in agricultural chemicals |
| Formulation Carrier | Solvent that enhances effectiveness of pesticides |
5. Alternative Solvents for NMP
Due to regulatory restrictions (particularly EU REACH) and health concerns, alternatives to NMP are increasingly being sought. The choice depends on the specific application.
| Alternative | CAS Number | Properties | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) | 67-68-5 | Polar aprotic, high solvency | Lower toxicity, biological compatibility |
| Dimethylformamide (DMF) | 68-12-2 | Polar aprotic, high boiling point | High polymer dissolution capacity |
| Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL) | 96-48-0 | Lactam-structured solvent | Intermediate in NMP production, good solvency |
| Cyrene™ | 203911-20-0 | Bio-based, environmentally friendly | Low toxicity, sustainability advantage |
| Sulfolane | 126-33-0 | Sulfur-containing aprotic solvent | Preferred in petrochemical applications |
| Propylene Carbonate | 108-32-7 | Carbonate-based solvent | Used in lithium batteries and electronics |
Selection Criteria:
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Toxicity and Environmental Impact: DMSO and Cyrene offer lower health risks
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Solvency Power: DMF and Sulfolane are strong in dissolving polymers and resins
-
Regulatory Compliance: Due to EU REACH restrictions, alternatives to NMP are increasingly preferred
6. Safety and Regulatory Information
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Hazard Classification | Reproductive toxicant (Category 1B in EU) |
| Risk Phrases | R61 - May cause harm to the unborn child R36/38 - Irritating to eyes and skin |
| Safety Phrases | S53 - Avoid exposure - obtain special instructions before use S45 - In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice |
| Storage | Store in well-ventilated area, away from heat sources |
| Regulatory Status | Restricted under REACH (Annex XVII, Entry 71) |
7. Summary
N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP, CAS: 872-50-4) is a versatile dipolar aprotic solvent with molecular formula C₅H₉NO and molecular weight 99.13 g/mol. It is a colorless liquid miscible with water and most organic solvents.
Key Physical Properties:
-
Boiling point: 202-204°C
-
Density: 1.028 g/cm³
-
Flash point: 91°C
Main Application Areas:
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Chemical and Polymer Industry: Dissolving high-performance polymers, resin production, organic synthesis
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Pharmaceutical Industry: API production, transdermal and oral formulations
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Lithium-Ion Battery Production: Electrode coating solvent
-
Petrochemical Industry: 1,3-butadiene and acetylene recovery, sulfur removal
-
Paint and Coating Industry: Pigment dispersion, paint stripping
-
Electronics Industry: Circuit board cleaning, surface treatment
-
Agriculture: Pesticide formulations
Regulatory Status: Due to reproductive toxicity concerns, NMP is restricted under EU REACH regulations. Alternatives such as DMSO, DMF, GBL, Cyrene, Sulfolane, and Propylene Carbonate are increasingly used depending on the application requirements.
