Polyvinylpyrrolidone PVP Poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) CAS 9003-39-8
- CAS: 9003-39-8
- Synonyms: Povidone; PVP K-Series; Poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone)
- EINECS No.: 1312995-182-4
- Molecular Formula: (C₆H₉NO)ₙ
- Grade: Industrial / Pharmaceutical
- Packaging: 25 kg fiber drum or plastic drum
Tree Chem Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP, CAS 9003-39-8) is a versatile polymer used as a binder, dispersant, and stabilizer in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and technical applications. With exceptional water solubility and biocompatibility, it provides stable viscosity and clarity in formulations.
We offer PVP in Industrial and Pharmaceutical grades, covering K17, K25, K30, and K90 with both powder and liquid forms. Each batch is manufactured under controlled conditions to ensure consistent molecular weight distribution and compliance with CP, USP, and EP standards. For technical assistance or purchasing inquiries, please reach info@cntreechem.com.
Specification
Basic Information
| Parameter | Value |
| Product Name | Polyvinylpyrrolidone |
| Abbreviation | PVP |
| CAS No. | 9003-39-8 |
| EINECS No. | 1312995-182-4 |
| Molecular Formula | (C₆H₉NO)ₙ |
| Appearance | White to light yellow powder or liquid |
| Synonyms | Povidone; PVP K-Series; Poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) |
| Packaging | 25 kg fiber drum or plastic drum |
Technical Specification — Industrial Grade
| Item | K17 (Powder) | K17 (Liquid) | K25 (Powder) | K30 (Liquid) | K30 (Powder) | K90 (Powder) | K90 (Liquid) |
| K-Value | 15–19 | 15–19 | 22–28 | 27–33 | 27–33 | 81–94 | 81–97 |
| Residue (%) | ≤0.2 | ≤0.2 | ≤0.2 | ≤0.2 | ≤0.2 | ≤0.2 | ≤0.2 |
| Moisture (%) | ≤5.0 | – | ≤5.0 | – | ≤5.0 | ≤5.0 | – |
| Solid Content (%) | ≥95 | 40 ± 1 | ≥95 | 30 ± 1 | ≥95 | ≥95 | 20 ± 1 |
| pH | 3–7 | 7–9 | 3–7 | 7–9 | 3–7 | 5–8 | 6–9 |
| Ash (%) | ≤0.1 | ≤0.1 | ≤0.1 | ≤0.1 | ≤0.1 | ≤0.1 | ≤0.1 |
Technical Specification — Pharmaceutical Grade (CP2005 / USP26 / USP28 / USP30 / EP)
| Item | K17 (Powder) | K25 (Powder) | K30 (Powder) | K90 (Powder) |
| K-Value | 15–19 | 22–28 | 27–33 | 81–94 |
| Residue (%) | ≤0.1 | ≤0.1 | ≤0.1 | ≤0.1 |
| Moisture (%) | ≤5.0 | ≤5.0 | ≤5.0 | ≤5.0 |
| Ash (%) | ≤0.1 | ≤0.1 | ≤0.1 | ≤0.1 |
| pH | 3–7 | 3–7 | 3–7 | 5–8 |
| Nitrogen (%) | 11.5–12.8 | 11.5–12.8 | 11.5–12.8 | 12.0–12.8 |
| Alcohols (as ethanol, ppm) | ≤500 | ≤500 | ≤500 | ≤500 |
| Heavy Metals (ppm) | ≤10 | ≤10 | ≤10 | ≤10 |
| Aldehydes (ppm) | ≤1 | ≤1 | ≤1 | ≤1 |
| Peroxides (ppm) | ≤400 | ≤400 | ≤400 | ≤400 |
Applications
Pharmaceutical Industry
- Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is a multifunctional polymer widely applied in pharmaceuticals as a binder, solubilizer, dispersant, stabilizer, and coating agent. In tablet production, grades such as PVP K30 are used at levels of 2–5% to improve hardness, disintegration, and tablet uniformity. In liquid and injectable formulations, PVP enhances drug solubility and stability, especially for poorly soluble active ingredients. High-viscosity grades like PVP K60 and K90 are used in sustained-release and controlled-release drug systems to regulate dissolution and absorption rates.
- In addition to formulation uses, PVP is an essential component in povidone-iodine disinfectants, ophthalmic preparations, and wound dressings, where it provides biocompatibility and excellent film-forming properties. Its ability to stabilize iodine and other active ingredients ensures long-term safety and consistency in medical and antiseptic applications.
Personal Care and Cosmetics
- In the personal-care and cosmetic industries, PVP and its copolymers play crucial roles as film-forming, thickening, and stabilizing agents. In hair-care products such as gels, sprays, and mousses, PVP forms transparent, flexible films that deliver a strong yet natural hold, enhancing shine and manageability without stiffness. It also provides antistatic and conditioning properties, making it valuable in shampoos and conditioners.
- In skincare and makeup, PVP is incorporated into creams, lotions, sunscreens, and mascaras to improve texture, consistency, and water resistance. It enhances the overall sensory feel and contributes to the stability of emulsions. In oral-care formulations like toothpaste and mouthwash, PVP improves clarity and viscosity while stabilizing active ingredients.
Food Industry
- In the food and beverage industry, PVP and PVPP (cross-linked PVP) function as clarifiers and stabilizers. PVPP effectively removes polyphenols and tannins from beer and juice, ensuring product clarity and extending shelf life. Soluble PVP helps prevent turbidity and sediment formation in beverages during storage.
- In baking, PVP enhances dough elasticity, gas retention, and texture, resulting in softer and more uniform baked goods. It also serves as a stabilizer and emulsifier in dairy products, dressings, and sauces, improving mouthfeel and product consistency. The polymer’s non-toxic and water-soluble nature makes it suitable for use in food-contact and processing applications.
Industrial Applications
- PVP is widely used in coatings, inks, and adhesives as a dispersant, film-forming agent, and thickener. It improves pigment dispersion, coating smoothness, and overall flow behavior. In printing inks, it enhances color stability and gloss, ensuring uniform adhesion to various substrates. In adhesives, PVP provides good flexibility, moisture retention, and adhesion control.
- In the electronics sector, PVP is utilized in lithium-ion battery manufacturing as a binder and dispersant to improve electrode uniformity and enhance conductivity. It also serves as a pore-forming agent in membrane manufacturing, enhancing permeability and mechanical strength. PVP is additionally used in textiles and paper processing to improve dye absorption, printability, and surface finish.
Emerging and High-Tech Fields
- PVP is increasingly used in biomedical and advanced technological applications due to its solubility, film-forming ability, and compatibility with various substances. It is employed in drug-delivery systems such as nanoparticles, microspheres, and hydrogels, enabling targeted and controlled release.
- In modern manufacturing, PVP functions as a water-soluble binder or support polymer in 3D printing, helping achieve precise structures. It is also applied in energy materials such as gel electrolytes for lithium batteries and fuel cells. In environmental protection, PVP-based membranes are used for water treatment and purification, improving filtration performance and fouling resistance.
Storage & Handling
- Store in a cool, dry, and ventilated area away from heat and sunlight.
- Keep container tightly closed to prevent moisture absorption.
- Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents or acids.
- Use clean and dry equipment when handling the product.
- Ground all transfer lines to prevent static buildup.
Usage Notice
- Use protective gloves and goggles when handling.
- Avoid inhalation of fine powder or vapor exposure.
- Ensure the working environment is well-ventilated.
- Dispose of waste materials according to local regulations.
- Tablet Formulation – Binder (PVP K30): PVP K30 acts as a binder to increase tablet hardness and disintegration uniformity.
- Hair Gel – Film Former (PVP K90): PVP K90 forms a flexible film providing strong yet natural hold and shine.
- Beer Clarifier – Stabilizer (PVPP): Cross-linked PVP removes polyphenols and extends beverage shelf life.
- Coating Formulation – Dispersant (PVP K30): PVP K30 improves pigment dispersion and flow properties in paints and inks.
- Battery Electrode – Binder/Dispersant (PVP K30): PVP K30 enhances electrode uniformity and electrochemical stability.
- Hydrogel Dressing – Matrix Polymer (PVP K90): PVP K90 forms a high-absorbency gel matrix used in wound healing applications.
Packaging
- 25 kg fiber drum
- 25 kg plastic drum
- Custom packaging available upon request



