N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone NMP CAS 872-50-4

Chemical Properties

Physical Properties: At room temperature, NMP is a clear, colorless to slightly yellow liquid with a mild amine odor. It is highly hygroscopic (readily absorbs moisture from the air).

Chemical Properties: NMP is extremely stable under neutral conditions. It is fully miscible with water in all proportions and completely soluble in most organic solvents, including alcohols, ethers, esters, ketones, aromatic hydrocarbons, and halogenated hydrocarbons.

Common Reactions

Hydrolysis: It does not hydrolyze under standard neutral conditions. However, in strong aqueous acidic or alkaline solutions accompanied by elevated temperatures, the lactam ring of NMP will undergo a ring-opening reaction to form corresponding amino acid salts.

Oxidation: It exhibits good oxidation resistance under normal conditions, but prolonged exposure to air and high temperatures may lead to slight oxidative degradation.

Specifications

Data Sheet Download

Applications & Functions

Lithium-ion Batteries: NMP is the standard and most widely used solvent for lithium battery cathode materials.

• Function: It perfectly dissolves the Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) binder and evenly disperses active cathode materials (like LFP or NCM) and conductive agents, creating a uniform slurry. This ensures excellent adhesion and conductivity when coated onto aluminum foil current collectors.

Electronics & Semiconductors: Used extensively in microelectronics manufacturing.

• Function: Acts as a highly effective photoresist stripper, flux defluxer, and degreasing solvent. NMP rapidly swells and strips cross-linked resins without damaging the underlying silicon wafers or metal circuitry.

Polymers & Coatings:

• Function: Serves as a reaction medium for the synthesis of specialty engineering plastics such as polyurethane, polyimide (PI), and aramid fibers. In the coatings industry, it is used to improve leveling and increase the gloss of paint films while replacing more toxic solvents.

Petrochemicals:

• Function: Acts as a premium extraction solvent for the recovery and purification of butadiene, isoprene, and aromatics from cracking gas.

Storage

Temperature & Ventilation: Must be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated indoor warehouse.

Moisture Control: Because NMP is extremely hygroscopic, containers must be kept tightly sealed. It is highly recommended to store the product under a dry nitrogen blanket to prevent moisture absorption and oxidation.

Segregation: Store away from strong oxidizers, strong acids, and reducing agents. Keep away from direct sunlight, open flames, and heat sources.

Handling & Usage Precautions

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Operators must wear chemical safety goggles, impermeable chemical-resistant gloves (butyl rubber or Teflon are recommended), and protective clothing. A respirator is required in poorly ventilated environments.

Safe Handling: Handle containers with care to prevent physical damage and leakage. Smoking, eating, and drinking are strictly prohibited in the workplace.

Health Warnings: NMP is classified as having potential reproductive toxicity. Pregnant women or personnel planning to conceive should strictly avoid direct exposure. It can also cause skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritation.

Spill Response: For small spills, absorb with inert materials (such as sand or vermiculite) and place in a dedicated waste container. For large spills, dike for later disposal and use explosion-proof pumps to recover the liquid.

Formulations

Packaging

• Drums: 200 kg galvanized iron drums or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) drums.

• IBC Totes: 1000 kg IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) totes.

• Bulk: 20 MT ISOTANK for large-scale maritime or overland transportation.

• Customized packaging available upon request.

Safety & Compliance

• SDS/MSDS: Available Upon Request

• GHS Classification: Repr. 1B (Reproductive Toxicity), Skin Irrit. 2, Eye Irrit. 2, STOT SE 3 (Respiratory irritation).
• UN No.: Not Regulated (Not classified as dangerous goods for standard IMDG/IATA transport rules). Note: May be classified as NA1993 (Combustible liquid) for bulk transport in the USA under certain DOT rules.
• Transport Class: Non-Dangerous Goods
• Hazard Statements: H360D (May damage the unborn child), H319 (Causes serious eye irritation), H315 (Causes skin irritation), H335 (May cause respiratory irritation).
• Labeling and Packaging Compliance: Fully compliant with international chemical regulatory standards (REACH, RoHS, GHS).
• COA / TDS: Available Upon Request
• Batch Traceability: Implemented across all production lines