Methylpyrrolidone

N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) is a chemical compound with 5-membered lactam structure. It is a clear to slightly yellow liquid miscible with water (molecule) and solvents like ethyl acetate, chloroform, benzene and lower alcohols or ketones. It also belongs to the class of dipolar aprotic solvents which includes also dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide and dimethyl sulfoxide. Other names for this compound are: 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone and m-pyrrole.

Due to its good solvency properties N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone is used to dissolve a wide range of chemicals, especially in the polymers field. It also used as a solvent for surface treatment of textiles, resins and metal coated plastics or as a paint stripper.

N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone and its derivatives are used as intermediates for the synthesis of agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, textile auxiliaries, plasticizers, stabilizers and specialty inks. It is also employed as a nylon precursor. The rubber industry uses it for SBR latex production and the electronics industry for printed circuit board manufacturing. NMP is also used in lithium cell creation.