VP/Eicosene copolymer
[CAS# 28211-18-9]

Identification

• Classification: Catalysts and additives >> Polymer
• Name: VP/Eicosene copolymer
• Synonyms: 1-Ethenyl-2-pyrrolidinone polymer with 1-eicosene
• Molecular Formula: C₂₆H₄₉NO
• Molecular Weight: 391.67
• CAS Registry Number: 28211-18-9
• EC Number: 920-086-1
• SMILES: CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC=C.C=CN1CCCC1=O

Properties

• Boiling Point: 340.8 °C (760 mmHg)
• Flash Point: 174.8 °C

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H319
• Safety Statements: P280-P300-P305+P351+P338

Discovery and Applications

1-Ethenyl-2-pyrrolidinone polymer with 1-eicosene is a synthetic copolymer that combines the polar functionality of N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone with the hydrophobic, long-chain aliphatic character of 1-eicosene. The resulting material belongs to the family of vinylpyrrolidone copolymers, which are widely valued for their amphiphilic nature, biocompatibility, and film-forming capabilities.

The discovery of this copolymer stems from research during the mid-20th century into vinylpyrrolidone-based polymers, particularly polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), which was first synthesized in the 1930s by Walter Reppe. PVP gained rapid importance due to its excellent solubility in water and its ability to form complexes with various molecules. To further expand its properties, chemists developed copolymers by introducing comonomers such as long-chain α-olefins, including 1-eicosene. This allowed tailoring of the polymer’s solubility, surface activity, and hydrophobic–hydrophilic balance. By incorporating a C₂₀ α-olefin, the copolymer acquires improved surface-active and emulsion-stabilizing characteristics while maintaining some of the solubility and biocompatibility of PVP.

Applications of 1-ethenyl-2-pyrrolidinone polymer with 1-eicosene are diverse and mainly fall in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial fields. In pharmaceuticals, it functions as a binder, film-former, and solubilizing agent. Its amphiphilic nature makes it suitable for drug delivery systems, where it can help stabilize poorly soluble drugs, improve bioavailability, and act as a carrier in solid dispersions. It has also been used in topical formulations to enhance adhesion and provide a protective film on skin or mucous membranes.

In the cosmetics industry, the copolymer finds wide use in hair care and skin care formulations. As a film-forming agent, it imparts gloss, flexibility, and hold to hair styling products such as gels and sprays. Its combination of hydrophobic and hydrophilic segments enables resistance to humidity while maintaining comfort and washability. On skin, it contributes to moisturizing formulations by forming breathable films that retain water and improve texture.

Industrial applications include its use as a dispersant, emulsifier, and stabilizer. Its amphiphilic properties allow it to function effectively in dispersing pigments and stabilizing emulsions in coatings, inks, and adhesives. The long aliphatic chain from 1-eicosene enhances hydrophobic interactions, making the copolymer especially useful in formulations requiring both water-compatibility and oil-compatibility.

The development of this copolymer illustrates the value of combining vinylpyrrolidone chemistry with hydrophobic olefins to create tailored materials. By adjusting the ratio of monomers and polymerization conditions, a wide spectrum of performance characteristics can be achieved, making it a versatile ingredient across industries. Today, 1-ethenyl-2-pyrrolidinone polymer with 1-eicosene remains a specialized but important material where multifunctional binding, film formation, and emulsifying properties are required.

References

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