1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone
- Other solvents
- CAS 872-50-4
- IUPAC: 1-methylpyrrolidin-2-one
CarCareTruth tracks 1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (CAS 872-50-4) as a car-care ingredient. It is listed on California's Proposition 65 and classified as a VOC.
1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) is classified under GHS/EU CLP as a reproductive toxicant, H360D (Cat 1B, 'may damage the unborn child'), and is on California's Prop 65 list for developmental toxicity. The EU restricted it in consumer products above 0.3% under REACH in 2020. The GHS profile also includes H315 (skin irritation), H319 (eye irritation), and H335 (respiratory irritation). The primary exposure route of concern is dermal absorption.
1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP, CAS 872-50-4) is a polar aprotic solvent widely used in industrial and consumer cleaning products. It is effective at dissolving a wide range of organic compounds and improving the solvency of surfactant systems.
NMP is classified as a reproductive toxicant (H360 — Cat 1B, "may damage fertility or the unborn child") under GHS and the EU CLP regulation. It is listed on California's Prop 65 for developmental toxicity. The EU restricted NMP use in consumer products above 0.3% in 2020 (SVHC under REACH). In the US, OSHA does not yet have an established occupational exposure limit, though NIOSH recommends limiting skin exposure.
In car care formulas, NMP typically appears at low concentrations (<5%) as a co-solvent. The health concern is systemic absorption via dermal route, not acute inhalation toxicity at these concentrations. Gloves are appropriate for repeated or prolonged skin contact.
Health & environment profile
- VOC
- yes
- Prop 65 listed
- yes
- Asthmagen
- no
- EPA Safer Choice
- no
- Aquatic toxicity
- no
- Biodegradable
- yes
- Bioaccumulative
- no
- Persistent
- no
- Ozone depleting
- no
- Microplastic
- no
- PFAS
- no
- Env. score
- 3/5
Common questions about 1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone
- What is 1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone used for in car care?
- Polar aprotic solvent; used in cleaning formulas and surface preparation products as a co-solvent to improve solvency and ingredient compatibility
- Is 1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone a VOC?
- Yes. 1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone is classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
- Is 1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone on California's Proposition 65 list?
- Yes. 1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone appears on California's Proposition 65 list.
- Is 1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone biodegradable?
- Yes. 1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone has a confirmed biodegradable profile.
No products on file contain this (yet)
Related
Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.