BDO and Its Derivatives, High-Purity Solvents

2-Pyrrolidone (2P)

2-Pyrrolidone, also known as 2-oxopyrrolidine or alpha-pyrrolidone, is a high-boiling, polar organic solvent with the chemical formula C4H7NO. It exists as a colorless to slightly yellowish liquid or a white crystalline solid at room temperature, depending on the purity and temperature, given its melting point of approximately 25 degrees Celsius. This lactam compound is highly valued in the chemical industry due to its excellent solvency properties, high stability, and complete miscibility with water and common organic solvents like ethanol, ether, and chloroform. It serves as a crucial building block and intermediate in the synthesis of various polymers, such as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and pharmaceutical agents. Its low toxicity profile and high boiling point make it an attractive alternative to more hazardous solvents in specialized industrial processes. 2-Pyrrolidone remains a cornerstone in modern chemical manufacturing, offering a unique combination of reactivity and solvent power for diverse technological advancements across multiple sectors globally.

Attributes

Key Features and Benefits

Excellent chemical stability under normal storage conditions ensuring long shelf life.
High boiling point reduces evaporative losses during high-temperature processing.
Complete water miscibility allows for easy formulation in aqueous systems.
Exceptional solvency power for a wide range of diverse substances.
Favorable toxicological profile compared to many common industrial solvents.
High flash point enhances safety during transportation and industrial handling.
Low freezing point when mixed with water providing flexibility in climate.
Biodegradable nature supports environmentally conscious manufacturing initiatives and sustainability.
Acts as a versatile precursor for the production of pyrrolidone derivatives.
Low vapor pressure minimizes inhalation risks in modern workplace environments.

Specifications

Technical Highlights

Molecular formula C4H7NO with a molar mass of 85.11 g/mol.
Boiling point sits at 245 degrees Celsius at atmospheric pressure.
Freezing point is 25 degrees Celsius.
Density is 1.11 g/cm3 at 25 degrees Celsius.
Flash point is 129 degrees Celsius for storage.
Viscosity is 13.3 mPa.s at 25 degrees Celsius.
Vapor pressure is very low, 0.013 hPa at 20 degrees Celsius.
Refractive index is 1.486 providing optical consistency in formulations.
Dielectric constant is high, facilitating the dissolution of ionic salts.
Auto-ignition temperature is approximately 390 degrees Celsius for industrial safety.
pH of 10% aqueous solution is typically neutral for applications.

Download Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

Practical industry uses

Applications

Primary feedstock for producing Polyvinylpyrrolidone used in medicine.
Solvent for inkjet printer inks, improving solubility and pigment stability.
Intermediate in the synthesis of neuroprotective drugs like Piracetam.
Component in agricultural formulations to enhance pesticide solubility and efficacy.
Used in electronics manufacturing for stripping photoresists and cleaning wafers.
Solvent for high-performance resins like polyimides and aromatic polyamides.
Additive in floor polishes to improve film formation within coatings.
Extraction solvent in petroleum processing for aromatic hydrocarbon recovery.
Plasticizer in nylon-4 production to modify polymer mechanical properties.
Solubilizer for veterinary medications and parenteral drug delivery systems.
Used as a co-solvent in cleaning products.