n-Vinylpyrrolidone

N-Vinylpyrrolidone (NVP, CAS 88-12-0) is a reactive lactam monomer also known as vinylpyrrolidinone, N-vinylbutyrolactam, and 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone. It carries no E-code designation and is not classified as a food additive. It is the primary monomer used to produce polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and related copolymers.

In personal care formulations, NVP acts as a reactive humectant and film-forming precursor, binding moisture to skin and hair surfaces through its polar lactam ring. In UV-curable coatings and printing inks, it functions as a reactive diluent that copolymerizes under UV exposure to reduce viscosity without adding volatile solvents. Pharmaceutical manufacturers use it to synthesize PVP excipients that serve as binders and solubilizers in solid dosage forms.

NVP is supplied as a stabilized liquid monomer, typically inhibited with sodium hydroxide or N,O-dimethylhydroxylamine to prevent premature polymerization. It is subject to REACH registration and handled under standard industrial chemical compliance frameworks. Packaging is available in drums and IBC containers, with grades suitable for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications upon request.