PVP K30

CAS Number:

9003-39-8

Chemical / INCI Name:

PVP (Polyvinylpyrrolidone)

Molecular Formula:

(C6H9NO)n

Molecular Weight:

Average ~40,000 g/mol (for K-30 grade)

Other Names:

Povidone, Polyvidone, Plasdone™

K-Value:

26.0 - 34.0 (typical specification for K-30)

Uses:

PVP K-30 is a synthetic, water-soluble polymer belonging to the polyvinylpyrrolidone family. The "K-30" designation refers to its viscosity range (K-value), which corresponds to an average molecular weight of about 40,000. It is one of the most widely used grades of PVP due to its balance of solubility, film-forming ability, and biocompatibility .

· Pharmaceuticals: Used as a binder in tablet granulation, a solubilizer for poorly soluble drugs, and a complexing agent (e.g., with iodine to form PVP-I antiseptic) .

· Personal Care & Cosmetics: Functions as a film former in hairsprays and styling gels, a binder in pressed powders, and a viscosity modifier in lotions and creams .

· Industrial Applications: Acts as a dispersing agent and protective colloid in suspension polymerization, a thickener, and an adhesive . It is also used as a pore-forming agent in the production of filtration membranes .

· Biotechnology: A key component of Denhardt's solution, used in molecular biology protocols .

Origin:

PVP K-30 is a synthetic polymer produced by the free-radical polymerization of the monomer N-vinylpyrrolidone .

What does Polyvinylpyrrolidone K 30  do in a formulation?

• Film Former: Leaves a flexible, continuous film on skin or hair.
• Binder: Holds together ingredients in compressed solids.
• Viscosity Modifier / Thickener: Increases the thickness of aqueous solutions.
• Dispersing Agent: Precribes agglomeration and keeps particles suspended.
• Adhesive: Provides tack and binding properties.

Safety Profile:

· General Hazard Classification: Considered safe for use in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics at typical concentrations. It is generally non-toxic and non-irritating .

· Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat) > 2000 mg/kg, indicating low acute toxicity .

· Handling: The powder is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from air) . It may form explosive dust-air mixtures. Use standard industrial hygiene practices.

· Regulatory: Widely accepted as a pharmaceutical excipient (Povidone, USP/NF, Ph.Eur.) and cosmetic ingredient.

Technical profile: