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Introduction
Polyvinylpyrrolidone K-90 (PVP K-90) is a synthetic, water-soluble polymer derived from N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP).
Due to its high molecular weight and viscosity profile, it is widely utilized in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food, and industrial formulations.
PVP K-90 is particularly favored for its excellent film-forming, binding, adhesive, and solubilizing capabilities.
Synonyms:
Povidone,PVP,Kollidon® K-90 (BASF trademark),Poly(1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone),NVP homopolymer,E1201 (in food)
Key Identification
Chemical Name: Polyvinylpyrrolidone
CAS Number: 9003-39-8
Empirical Formula: (C6H9NO)n
Molecular Weight: Approx. 1,300,000 Da
Chemical Structure and Properties
Structure and Composition
PVP is composed of repeating N-vinylpyrrolidone monomer units.
Each unit contains a pyrrolidone ring, a polar amide group, and a vinyl backbone.
The polymer is amorphous and exhibits high solubility in water and a range of organic solvents.
Production Methods
Synthesis of N-Vinylpyrrolidone (NVP)
The precursor monomer NVP is synthesized from:
γ-Butyrolactone (GBL) reacts with ammonia to form 2-pyrrolidone.
Vinylation of 2-pyrrolidone with acetylene yields N-vinylpyrrolidone.
Polymerization
NVP undergoes free-radical polymerization in the presence of initiators like azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) or hydrogen peroxide.
Initiation: Free radicals start chain reaction.
Propagation: Monomers add to the growing chain.
Termination: Chains stop growing via recombination or disproportionation.
Purification and Drying
Filtration: To remove impurities and residual monomer.
Spray Drying: Converts aqueous solution to dry powder form.
Quality Control: Analyzed for residual monomer content, viscosity, and pH.
Grades and Specifications
PVP is available in different K-values, which reflect the viscosity (and indirectly, the molecular weight).
Grade Viscosity (1% in H2O) Approx. MW (Da) Application Area
K-12 Low ~2000 Eye drops, injectables
K-30 Medium ~40,000 Tablets, cosmetics
K-90 Very high ~1,300,000 Controlled release, gels
Regulatory Standards:
Complies with USP, Ph. Eur, JP, FCC, FDA GRAS (E1201).
Applications
Pharmaceutical Uses
Tablet Binder: Enhances compactibility.
Matrix Builder: Used in sustained-release tablets.
Stabilizer: Prevents aggregation in suspensions and emulsions.
Solid Dispersions: Improves solubility of poorly soluble drugs.
Topical Formulations: Acts as a film-forming agent in dermal applications.
Ophthalmic Solutions: Acts as a viscosity enhancer and lubricant.
Cosmetic Uses
Hair Styling Products: Provides hold and film formation.
Skin Creams: Stabilizes emulsions.
Face Masks and Lotions: Improves texture and sensory feel.
Toothpaste and Mouthwash: Functions as a thickener and dispersant.
Food Industry
Clarifying Agent: Removes polyphenols in wine and beer.
Food Additive (E1201): Used in chewing gum and flavor encapsulation.
Carrier Agent: For flavors and colors.
Industrial Applications
Inks and Paints: Enhances viscosity and pigment dispersion.
Detergents: Prevents soil re-deposition.
Electronics: Used in photoresist and polishing slurries.
Adhesives: Temporary adhesives for medical and paper applications.
Functional Characteristics
Solubility and Compatibility
Highly hydrophilic and miscible with water, ethanol, isopropanol.
Compatible with most APIs, polymers, and surfactants.
Film-Forming Ability
PVP K-90 forms strong, clear, flexible films without tackiness.
Widely used in transdermal patches, dermal film-formers, and hair sprays.
Complex Formation
Chelates with iodine (used in Betadine®)
Interacts with polyphenols (clarifying agent in wine/beer)
Capable of hydrogen bonding with APIs
Hygroscopicity
Absorbs atmospheric moisture.
Must be stored in sealed containers and humidity-controlled areas.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT PVP K-90
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off conSAFETYtaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product
