Product Overview & China Production Capacity
N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP, CAS 872-50-4, molecular formula C₅H₉NO, MW 99.13) is a powerful dipolar aprotic solvent with exceptional solvating ability for a wide range of polymers, resins, and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Chinese manufacturers produce over 300,000 metric tons of NMP annually through gamma-butyrolactone and methylamine reaction pathways, with major production hubs in Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Shandong provinces. This enormous capacity makes China the world’s largest NMP producer, offering pharma, electronic, and industrial grades at competitive pricing.
In pharmaceutical applications, NMP serves as a solvent for drug formulation, a penetration enhancer in transdermal delivery systems, and a processing solvent in API synthesis. Its high boiling point (202 °C), low volatility, complete water miscibility, and excellent thermal stability make it indispensable in high-temperature processing. Chinese NMP producers operate continuous distillation columns with multi-stage purification to deliver electronic and pharma-grade material with purity exceeding 99.9%.
Manufacturing Standards & Quality Assurance
Manufacturing facilities hold ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and OHSAS 18001 certifications. Pharma-grade NMP is produced in dedicated lines under controlled conditions with GC analysis confirming purity ≥99.9%, water content <0.03%, and color (APHA) ≤10. Each batch is tested for gamma-butyrolactone residue, methylamine content, and heavy metals. Quality systems conform to ICH Q7 guidelines for pharmaceutical solvents.
Process controls include real-time monitoring of reaction temperature, pressure, and distillation column reflux ratios. Analytical laboratories equipped with GC-MS, Karl Fischer titrators, and ICP-OES ensure complete characterization. All production data is recorded in electronic batch records with full audit trail capability.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 872-50-4 |
| Molecular Formula | C₅H₉NO |
| Molecular Weight | 99.13 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to light yellow liquid |
| Purity (GC) | ≥99.9% |
| Boiling Point | 202 °C |
| Density (20 °C) | 1.028–1.034 g/mL |
| Water Content | ≤0.03% |
| Color (APHA) | ≤10 |
| Refractive Index | 1.468–1.470 |
Packaging & Export Logistics
NMP is supplied in 200 kg steel drums, 1,000 kg IBC totes, or isotank containers for bulk orders. All containers meet UN transport requirements for Class III liquids. Drums are palletized with shrink-wrap for secure container loading. Standard lead time is 7–12 business days. Shipments are available from Shanghai, Ningbo, and Qingdao under FOB, CIF, or DDP Incoterms.
Hazardous goods documentation including MSDS, UN packaging certificates, and dangerous goods declarations are prepared by our export compliance team. Temperature-sensitive shipping arrangements are available for extreme climate destinations.
China Supply Advantage
China’s NMP production scale delivers pricing advantages of 25–40% compared to European and American manufacturers. Integrated petrochemical supply chains ensure stable gamma-butyrolactone feedstock availability, translating to consistent production schedules and reliable delivery. Chinese NMP producers supply major electronics manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and lithium battery producers worldwide, with proven quality track records and responsive technical support teams available across global time zones.