Is N-Vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) prone to polymerization? What should be considered during handling and storage?

N-Vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) is one of the monomers known for its biocompatibility due to its low toxicity and high hydrophilicity. The polymers synthesized using NVP as monomer/polymer find applications in plasma substitutes, soluble drug carriers, and UV-curable bio adhesives. NVP exhibits acute toxicity by oral, dermal and inhalational routes in animals. Liquid NVP has been shown to cause severe eye irritation in animals. Signs of respiratory tract irritation were observed in a range of animal species following a single exposure to NVP aerosol and repeated inhalation of NVP vapour. NVP tends to polymerize as storage time and temperature increase. To pre vent this undesirable polymerization, small amounts of a stabilizer are added during drumming and prior to shipping bulk quantities. It may as sume a yellow color after several months of storage, but its quality will not be impaired.

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