N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone

Synonyms

1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidinone; 1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone; 1-Methyl-5-pyrrolidinone; 1-Methylazacyclopentan-2-one; 1-Methylpyrrolidinone; 1-Methylpyrrolidone; 2-Pyrrolidinone, 1-methyl-; M-Pyrol; Methylpyrrolidone; N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidinone; N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone; N-Methyl-gamma-butyrolactam; N-Methylpyrrolidinone; N-Methylpyrrolidone; NMP; Norleucine, 5-oxo-, DL; [ChemIDplus] UN1993

Category

Other Solvents

Description

A clear colorless liquid with a fish-like odor; [CAMEO] Almost colorless liquid with an amine odor; [AIHA]

Sources/Uses

Used as a solvent for chemicals and resins in the microelectronics and pharmaceutical industries; [HSDB] Widely used to replace other solvents, e.g., for paint stripping and lube oil extraction; it is used as a solvent for pesticides, coatings, adhesives, dyes, pigments, polymers, and polyurethane foam cleanup. [ACGIH]

Comments

It is absorbed through the skin; a severe eye irritant; [CSH, p. 291] "It is mainly an irritant, but it can cause severe contact dermatitis due to prolonged contact." [Kanerva, p. 1816] Experimental animals experience lethargy and respiratory difficulty after inhalation. [HSDB] Some animal studies found fetal loss and birth defects after high doses during early pregnancy. [Frazier, p. 345] NMP is a cyclic amide used as a solvent, catalyst, formulating agent, and graffiti remover. Significant absorption occurs through the skin. 2-HMSI can be used for biological monitoring of workers. [Akesson B, Carnerup MA, Jonsson BAG. Evaluation of exposure biomarkers from percutaneous absorption of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. Scand J Work Environ 2004;30(4):306-312] In high-dose animal studies, adverse effects include CNS depression and changes to the liver, kidneys, and blood cells. [ACGIH] A skin and eye irritant; [ICSC] Danger of cutaneous absorption; [AIHA]

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

5-Hydroxy-N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone in urine = 100 mg/L at end of shift;

20 ppm, (can also occur as vapor and aerosol)

0.345 mm Hg

4 ppm

Odor Threshold High

10 ppm

LCLo (rat) = 1,000 mg/m3

Explanatory Notes

Flash point = 96 deg C; Odor thresholds from CSH; VP from HSDB;

Reference Link #2

high ambient temp required

10 ppm

Acute solvent syndrome

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Yes

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Encephalopathy, chronic solvent
• Solvents, acute toxic effect

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Metal Degreasing
• Painting (Solvents)
• Semiconductor Manufacturing
• Silk-Screen Printing
• Working with Glues and Adhesives