Main-Product

N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) is a 5-membered cyclic amide that exists as a colorless liquid, though impure samples may appear yellow. It features strong dipole moments and hydrogen bonding due to its cis-amide conformation.

NMP is miscible with water and most common organic solvents, belonging to the class of dipolar aprotic solvents alongside dimethylformamide and dimethyl sulfoxide. It has a characteristic "fishlike" odor and is denser than water, with a flash point of 199°F.

NMP serves as a versatile solvent across multiple industries:

• Petrochemical Processing: Used in acetylene recovery, aromatics extraction, and gas purification
• Polymer Industry: Functions as a reaction medium for high-temperature polymers
• Electronics: Used as a solvent, requiring higher purity specifications
• Cosmetics: Employed as both a solvent and surfactant

The primary industrial synthesis route involves an ester-to-amide conversion by treating gamma-butyrolactone with methylamine.

References

1. Wikipedia, N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone.
2. PubChem, Methylpyrrolidone.
3. Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, U.S. EPA, Feb 2017, Preliminary Information on Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution, Use, and Disposal: N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP).
4. Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), 22nd Mar 2011, SCCS/1413/11, OPINION ON N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP).

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