POLYVINYLCAPROLACTAM- ▸ Flow assurance: Kinetic gas-hydrate inhibitor in oil and gas production
- ▸ Film forming: Film-forming polymer in formulated products
- ▸ Thickening: Rheology and thickening control in aqueous systems
A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
Request SDS →Polyvinylcaprolactam (CAS 25189-83-7) is a water-soluble polymer of N-vinylcaprolactam. Its principal established industrial use is as a kinetic hydrate inhibitor for gas-hydrate control in oil-and-gas flow assurance; it is also used as a film-forming and thickening polymer. Grades vary by molecular weight.
Regulatory & registration requirements
- TSCA (US):
- REACH (EU): Not determined from public registry
- EC number: 680-599-9
TSCA Inventory flag XU: a substance exempt from reporting under the Chemical Data Reporting Rule (40 CFR 711) (EPA flag legend).
Source: EPA TSCA Inventory (July 2025 release) · ECHA CHEM — retrieved 2026-07-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What is polyvinylcaprolactam used for?
Polyvinylcaprolactam (CAS 25189-83-7), a water-soluble polymer of N-vinylcaprolactam, is principally used as a kinetic gas-hydrate inhibitor for flow assurance in oil and gas production. It also serves as a film-forming and thickening polymer in aqueous systems.
What is vinylcaprolactam used for?
N-vinylcaprolactam is the monomer that polymerizes to polyvinylcaprolactam, the water-soluble polymer used as a kinetic hydrate inhibitor and as a film-forming and rheology/thickening polymer. Grades of the polymer vary by molecular weight.
Is polyvinylcaprolactam water soluble?
Yes. Polyvinylcaprolactam is a water-soluble polymer, which underpins its use in aqueous kinetic hydrate inhibitor formulations and as an aqueous-system thickener and film former.
What grades of polyvinylcaprolactam are available?
Grades vary by molecular weight, which affects viscosity and performance in hydrate inhibition, film forming, and thickening. Specify your application and request the CoA and SDS to confirm the grade meets your formulation requirements.
How is bulk polyvinylcaprolactam quoted?
Pricing depends on grade, form (solid or solution), packaging, and volume. Submit a bulk RFQ with your application, target molecular-weight grade, and quantity for a current quote with CoA and SDS.
What is the REACH and TSCA regulatory status of Polyvinylcaprolactam (PVCap)?
Polyvinylcaprolactam (PVCap) (CAS 25189-83-7) is listed as Active on the U.S. EPA TSCA Inventory; its REACH registration status is not determined from the public ECHA registry.