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| N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) is
the lactam of 4-methylaminobutyric acid and a very weak base. NMP
is a chemically stable and powerful polar solvent. These characteristics
are highly useful in a variety of chemical reactions where an inert
medium is of concern. Despite the stability of NMP, it can also
play an active role in certain reactions: hydrolysis, oxidation,
condensation, conversion with chlorinating agents, polymerization
and o-alkylation, and related reactions.
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Applications |
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| Recovery of Pure Hydrocarbons
in Petrochemical Processing |
| A well-established application for NMP is the large-scale
recovery of hydrocarbons by extractive distillation. This technique
utilizes the high solubility of hydrocarbons in NMP and the fact that
differences in volatility are sometimes considerably increased in
the presence of NMP. Compared to other commercial solvents and extraction
media, NMP offers the following advantages: no azeotropes are formed
with hydrocarbons; NMP is very resistant to heat and chemicals; and
NMP has a favorable toxicological and environmental profile. |
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| Desulfurization of Gases |
| High concentrations of acidic compounds are often present
in natural or synthesis gases. Examples are hydrogen sulfide, carbon
oxysulfide, carbon dioxide and organic sulfur compounds. Rather than
applying a chemical process, they are removed by physical scrubbing
in several stages with a mixture of NMP, alcohol and water. |
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| Plastics |
| NMP is a widely used industrial solvent for natural and
synthesis plastics, waxes, resins and various types of paints. It
dissolves polymers, such as cellulose derivatives, polyamides, polyimides,
polyesters, polystyrene, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl
pyrrolidone, polyvinyl acetate, polyurethanes, polycarbonates, polyethersulfones,
polysulfones, polyethers and many copolymers. |
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| Surface Coatings |
| NMP is a non-corrosive high boiler with excellent solvent
power and chemical resistance. Thus, NMP improves the properties of
many surface coating systems. In particular, these effects are favorable
for baked coatings that are cured at relatively high temperatures.
NMP allows the production of highly filled paints and finishes. Since
it improves the rheological properties, paints with superior flow-out
and covering power are obtained. Hence, the coatings are more homogeneous,
non-porous and non-cratering, and they display greater resistance
to chemicals and higher mechanical strength. |
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| Paint Stripping and Cleaning |
| Due to its high solvating power for plastics, resins,
oil and grease, NMP has been successfully employed as an ingredient
in paint removers, cleaners and degreasers. NMP can be used alone
or in blends for removal of oil, carbon deposits and other tarry polymeric
residues from metal chambers, pistons and cylinders, as well as for
wet cleaning of combustion engines. |
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| Plant Protection |
| NMP can be used as a solvent or co-solvent for the formulation
of insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, seed treatment products and
bioregulators where highly polar compounds are required. NMP is given
preference over other highly polar solvents because it is exempt from
the requirement of a tolerance when used as a solvent or co-solvent
in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops, and it possesses
a favorable toxicological and environmental profile. |
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| Electronic Equipment Manufacture |
| The production of integrated circuits (ICs) calls for
products of very high purity. The Electronic Grade NMP exceeds in
all points the standard established by SEMI (Semiconductor Equipment
and Materials Institute). This makes NMP a desired solvent for the
electronic industry and producers of printed circuit boards. Blends
of NMP with common solvents are utilized for the cleaning and degreasing
of single-crystal silicon wafers for ICs.
For further information on NMP N-Methylpyrrolidone, refer to the Technical
Data Sheet, NMP Physical
Properties Page or contact the appropriate regional Diols customer
representative on the Customer
Service Page. |
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