General Description
Synonyms: g-Aminobutyric acid lactam; 4-aminobutyric acid lactam; gaminobutyric lactam; g-aminobutyrolactam; g-butyrolactam; butyrolactam; 2-ketopyrrolidine; 2-oxopyrrolidine; 2-Pyrol; apyrrolidinone; pyrrolidin-2-one; a-pyrrolidone; pyrrolidonum; 2- pyrrolidone; Soluphor P.
Description: Pyrrolidone occurs as a colorless or slightly grayish liquid, as white or almost white crystals, or colorless crystal needles. It has a characteristic odor.
Chemical Name: 2-Pyrrolidinone
Functions
Penetration agent; plasticizer; solvent; solubilizing agent.
Uses
Pyrrolidone and N-methylpyrrolidone are mainly used as solvents in veterinary injections.
Pyrrolidone has been shown to be a better solubilizer than glycerin, propylene glycol, or ethanol.
They have also been suggested for use in human pharmaceutical formulations as solvents in parenteral, oral, and topical applications.
In topical applications, pyrrolidones appear to be effective penetration enhancers.
Pyrrolidones have also been investigated for their application in controlled-release depot formulations
Incompatibilities
Pyrrolidone is incompatible with oxidizing agents and strong acids.
Safety
Pyrrolidones are mainly used in veterinary injections and have also been suggested for use in human oral, topical, and parenteral pharmaceutical formulations. In mammalian species, pyrrolidones are biotransformed to polar metabolites that are excreted via the urine. Pyrrolidone is mildly toxic by ingestion and subcutaneous routes; mutagenicity data have been reported.
Handling Precautions
Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. Some pyrrolidones in their pure state are considered toxic, corrosive, and flammable; contact with skin and eyes should be avoided. Vapors or sprays should not be inhaled. Suitable eye and skin protection and a respirator are recommended. When heated to decomposition, pyrrolidone emits toxic fumes of NOx.