Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) CAS 9003-39-8

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) – Versatile Biocompatible Polymer for Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics, and Industrial Applications

Basic Information

• CAS Number: 9003-39-8

• Appearance: White to off-white powder or flakes

• Solubility: Soluble in water, ethanol, and many organic solvents

• Grades: Available in various K-values (e.g., K-30, K-90) corresponding to different molecular weights

• Stability: Chemically stable, non-toxic, and biocompatible

Overview
Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is a synthetic water-soluble polymer with a unique combination of properties: high biocompatibility, excellent film-forming ability, and strong binding capacity. It is widely used across multiple industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and technical applications. The K-value indicates the average molecular weight and viscosity, allowing formulators to select the appropriate grade for specific needs.

Applications

• Pharmaceuticals: Used as a binder in tablet formulations, improving mechanical strength and disintegration. Enhances solubility of poorly soluble active ingredients through complexation. Also employed in film coatings, sustained-release matrices, and as a solubilizer in oral and injectable formulations.

• Cosmetics and personal care: Acts as a film-former in hair styling products, mascaras, and sunscreens; regulates viscosity in lotions, creams, and gels; improves product spreadability and adhesion.

• Food industry: Serves as a clarifying agent, stabilizer, and dietary fiber supplement (E1201) in beverages, sauces, and processed foods.

• Industrial applications: Used in adhesives, paints, inks, and coatings as a binder and protective colloid. Also employed in membrane filtration, textile printing, and as a dispersant in pigment formulations.

• Nanotechnology and biomedicine: Acts as a stabilizing agent for metal nanoparticles (silver, gold) and as a carrier in drug delivery systems. Explored in hydrogel formulations for wound dressings and tissue engineering.

Key Benefits

• Excellent water solubility and compatibility with a wide range of substances.

• High binding and film-forming capacity.

• Biocompatible and non-irritating to skin and mucous membranes.

• Available in multiple grades for tailored performance.

• Chemically stable and resistant to hydrolysis.

• Cost-effective and versatile.

Handling and Storage

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and direct sunlight.

• Keep containers tightly sealed to prevent caking.

• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, dust mask) when handling.

• Shelf life: typically 24–36 months under recommended conditions.

Quality Assurance
Each batch is tested for K-value, moisture content, and purity to ensure consistent performance across all applications.