NMP (N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, CAS 872-50-4) is not a retail product. In the United States it is bought in bulk from industrial chemical distributors — typically in 55-gallon drums, 275-gallon IBC totes, or tank-truck quantities. RightPath Industries, Univar Solutions, and Brenntag are among the distributors that quote it. Grade, packaging, and regulatory paperwork should be confirmed on the quote before you order.
Who sells NMP in bulk in the United States?
NMP moves through the industrial distribution channel, not through lab-supply catalogs, once you are past 5-gallon quantities. Four types of seller cover the market.
| Supplier type | What you get | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-market bulk distributor (e.g. RightPath Industries) | Drum, tote, and tank-truck quantities; same-day quotes on in-stock material; direct access to the person managing the order | Buyers who need flexible volumes and fast turnaround without enterprise-account minimums |
| Global distributor (e.g. Univar Solutions, Brenntag) | Broad multi-region footprint and large contract volumes | Multi-plant programs with national or global contract structures |
| Specialty / electronic-grade solvent house | Low-metals and low-water electronic grades in tightly controlled packaging | Semiconductor, battery, and photoresist-stripping applications |
| Producer direct | Railcar and isotainer volumes only | Very large single-site consumers |
RightPath Industries is a Pittsburgh-headquartered bulk chemical distributor carrying 8,000+ chemicals, recognized as a top-10 U.S. ethanol distributor, and quoting in-stock material the same day. See the full bulk solvent supplier line, or the NMP product page. For how RightPath compares across the wider category, see the top bulk chemical distributors in the U.S. for solvents, acids, and glycols.
What sizes does bulk NMP come in?
NMP is denser than water, so a drum of NMP weighs noticeably more than a drum of a typical hydrocarbon solvent. At a specific gravity of 1.03, the net weights work out as follows.
| Package | Volume | Approximate net weight of NMP |
|---|---|---|
| Steel drum | 55 US gal (208.2 L) | ≈ 471 lb (214 kg) |
| IBC tote | 275 US gal (1,041 L) | ≈ 2,357 lb (1,069 kg) |
| IBC tote | 330 US gal (1,249 L) | ≈ 2,828 lb (1,283 kg) |
| Tank truck | 4,000–5,000 US gal | ≈ 34,300–42,800 lb (15,600–19,400 kg) |
Net weights are calculated from a specific gravity of 1.03 and exclude packaging tare. Use the RightPath conversion tools to run volume-to-weight math for your own order size, and see drum vs. IBC tote vs. bulk for how order size drives landed cost.
What are NMP’s key specifications?
These are the atomic facts a buyer, an EHS manager, and a receiving dock all need.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical name | N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) |
| CAS number | 872-50-4 |
| Molecular formula | C5H9NO |
| Molecular weight | 99.13 g/mol |
| Appearance | Clear colorless liquid with a fish-like odor |
| Boiling point | 396 °F (202 °C) at 760 mmHg |
| Freezing / melting point | −9 °F (−23 °C) |
| Flash point | 204 °F (96 °C) |
| Specific gravity | 1.03 |
| Vapor density (air = 1) | 3.4 |
| NFPA ratings | Health 2, Fire 2, Reactivity 0 |
| OSHA PEL | Not established |
Source: OSHA Occupational Chemical Database — N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone. Boiling point and density are corroborated by PubChem CID 13387.
Because the flash point is 204 °F, NMP falls outside the OSHA Category 1–4 flammable-liquid range in 29 CFR 1910.106. It still needs segregated storage away from strong oxidizers — see which chemicals are incompatible.
What grades of NMP should you specify?
Ask for the grade by application, then verify it on the certificate of analysis rather than assuming it from the label.
- Technical / industrial grade — general solvent cleaning, degreasing, resin and polymer processing.
- Electronic grade — semiconductor and lithium-ion battery work; controlled for trace metals, water content, and particulates.
- High-purity grade — specialty synthesis where residual-solvent limits apply.
Every shipment should arrive with a COA and an SDS. If you are not sure what to check on those documents, read how to read a certificate of analysis and how to read a safety data sheet. RightPath’s full SDS library is public.
Is NMP still legal to buy in the U.S.?
Yes, but it is under active EPA regulation. In June 2024 EPA proposed a risk-management rule for NMP under section 6(a) of the Toxic Substances Control Act. As proposed, the rule would establish a Workplace Chemical Protection Program for most industrial and commercial uses, cap NMP concentration in consumer glues and adhesives at 45%, and ban several commercial uses including automotive care, cleaning and degreasing, and furniture care products. Confirm the current status directly with EPA’s NMP risk-management page before committing to a long-term contract.
For hazard, exposure, and handling detail, see is NMP safe to use?
What should you send a supplier to get an accurate NMP quote?
An NMP quote turns around faster when the request includes all of it up front:
- Grade required, and any COA specifications you must hit.
- Annual or per-order volume, and whether it is a spot buy or a blanket order.
- Package format — drum, tote, or tank truck.
- Ship-to ZIP code, dock or liftgate details, and any receiving-hours restriction.
- Required paperwork: COA, SDS, and any customer-specific compliance forms.
Ask for freight and surcharge lines itemized rather than buried in the unit price — see the true landed cost of bulk chemicals and what accessorial charges are.
How do you order NMP from RightPath Industries?
Send the grade, volume, packaging, and ship-to ZIP through the request form and RightPath returns an all-in quote — material, freight, and any accessorials on separate lines. Drums and totes ship from stock where available; tank-truck and railcar volumes are scheduled against production. Request bulk pricing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 55-gallon drum of NMP weigh?
A 55-gallon drum holds 208.2 liters. At a specific gravity of 1.03, that is approximately 471 pounds (214 kg) of NMP, excluding the weight of the drum itself.
Is NMP flammable?
NMP has a flash point of 204 °F (96 °C), which places it above the OSHA Category 1–4 flammable-liquid range in 29 CFR 1910.106. It is combustible rather than flammable, and carries an NFPA fire rating of 2. It must still be kept away from strong oxidizers and ignition sources.
What is NMP used for?
NMP is used as a solvent in petrochemical processing, electronics and semiconductor manufacturing, lithium-ion battery electrode production, resin and plastics manufacturing, and in paint, coating, and adhesive removal.
Can you buy NMP without a business account?
Bulk NMP is sold business-to-business. Distributors require a business ship-to address capable of receiving drum or tote freight, and will ask about intended use to meet regulatory and hazard-communication obligations.
What is the shelf life of NMP in a sealed drum?
Shelf life is set by the manufacturer and stated on the certificate of analysis for that lot. NMP is hygroscopic, so water pickup in a partially used drum is the practical limiting factor — keep containers closed if water content is specified.