N-Ethyl-2-pyrrolidone
CAS 2687-91-4
EC 220-250-6
Formula C6H11NO
MW 113.16 g/mol
Solvents Personal Care & CosmeticsPlastics & Polymers Humectant & MoisturizingSolvent & CarrierUV Protection & Stabilization
Description
N-Ethyl-2-pyrrolidone (NEP, CAS 2687-91-4) is a cyclic lactam solvent with the molecular formula C6H11NO, also referred to as N-Ethylpyrrolidone, N-Ethylbutyrolactam, and 1-Ethyl-2-pyrrolidone. It carries no assigned E-code and is classified under HS code 29337900.
In personal care formulations, NEP functions as a humectant and skin conditioner by attracting and retaining moisture within the stratum corneum, while also acting as a UV absorber to stabilise light-sensitive actives. In plastics and polymer processing, it serves as a carrier solvent for vinyl resins and polymer coatings, improving dissolution and film formation through its strong solvating power toward polar macromolecules.
NEP is supplied as a technical-grade clear liquid and falls under REACH regulation, requiring an up-to-date Safety Data Sheet for EU trade. Standard packaging includes IBC containers and drums. Procurement teams should confirm supplier REACH registration status and request current SDS documentation before ordering.
In personal care formulations, NEP functions as a humectant and skin conditioner by attracting and retaining moisture within the stratum corneum, while also acting as a UV absorber to stabilise light-sensitive actives. In plastics and polymer processing, it serves as a carrier solvent for vinyl resins and polymer coatings, improving dissolution and film formation through its strong solvating power toward polar macromolecules.
NEP is supplied as a technical-grade clear liquid and falls under REACH regulation, requiring an up-to-date Safety Data Sheet for EU trade. Standard packaging includes IBC containers and drums. Procurement teams should confirm supplier REACH registration status and request current SDS documentation before ordering.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 86-88 °C |
| Boiling Point | 222 °C |
| Density | 0.992 g/mL at 25 °C(lit.) |
| Flash Point | 169 °F |
| Appearance | clear liquid |
| Color | Clear |
| Form | Liquid |
| Water Solubility | 1000g/L at 23℃ |
| Vapor Pressure | 18Pa at 20℃ |
| Refractive Index | n 20/D 1.465(lit.) |
| pH | 8-9 (100g/l, H2O, 20℃) |
| Log P | -0.2 at 20℃ |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Danger GHS08 GHS05 GHS07
H
H227H302H315H318H319H335H360H361
P
P203P210P261P264P270P271P280P317P318P319P321P330P403P405P501P264+P265P301+P317P302+P352P304+P340P332+P317P337+P317P362+P364P370+P378P403+P233P305+P351+P338P305+P354+P338
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29337900 |
| UN Number | 1993 |
| Storage Class | 6.1C - Combustible acute toxic Cat.3 toxic compounds or compounds which causing chronic effects |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 |
Other Names
1-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone1-ethylpyrrolidin-2-oneNEPAgsol Ex 2N-EthylpyrrolidoneN-EthylbutyrolactamN-Ethylpyrrolidinone
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