Global 2-Pyrrolidone Market Size, Share, Growth Analysis Report - Forecast 2034

2-Pyrrolidone Industry Prospective:

The global 2-pyrrolidone market size was worth around USD 1.93 Billion in 2024 and is predicted to grow to around USD 3.92 Billion by 2034 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 6.8% between 2025 and 2034. The report analyzes the global 2-pyrrolidone market's drivers, restraints/challenges, and the effect they have on the demands during the projection period. In addition, the report explores emerging opportunities in the 2-pyrrolidone industry.

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2-Pyrrolidone Market: Overview

2-pyrrolidone is also known as 2-pyrrolidinone. It is an organic compound that consists of a cyclic amide called lactam with 5 members. The structure of the compound makes it the simplest γ-lactam available in the chemical industry. The exclusive industrial production of 2-pyrrolidone consists of ammonia treatment of aqueous gamma-butyrolactone at a temperature that ranges between 250–290 °C and at a pressure of 0.4–1.4 MPa. During the production process, magnesium silicate acts as the primary catalyst. These reactions are carried out in a safe environment generally consisting of a tubular reactor equipped with necessary solid catalysts that are typically arranged as a fixed bed while the reaction occurs in the vapor phase. At the end of the process, producers expect product yields of 75% to 85% which is then distilled and purified to achieve the desired quantity of 2-pyrrolidone exhibiting a purity of 95%. 2-pyrrolidinone has several applications across crucial sectors such as printing and pharmaceutical industries fueling the demand in the market.

Key Insights

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global 2-pyrrolidone market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 6.8% over the forecast period (2025-2034).
• Regarding revenue, the global 2-pyrrolidone market size was valued at around USD 1.93 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 3.92 Billion by 2034.
• The 2-pyrrolidone market is projected to grow at a significant rate due to rising demand from the pharmaceutical, electronics, personal care, and agrochemical industries, where it serves as a crucial solvent and intermediate.
• Based on Application, the Plasticizers segment is expected to lead the global market.
• On the basis of Form, the Liquid segment is growing at a high rate and will continue to dominate the global market.
• Based on the Packaging, the Bags segment is projected to swipe the largest market share.
• By Grade, the Technical Grade segment is expected to dominate the global market.
• In terms of End-User Industry, the Pharmaceutical segment is anticipated to command the largest market share.
• Based on region, Asia-Pacific is predicted to dominate the global market during the forecast period.

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2-Pyrrolidone Market: Growth Drivers

Growing research on nicotine and its impact on the human body to drive market growth

The global 2-pyrrolidone market is expected to grow owing to the increasing research and studies for understanding the effect of nicotine consumption on the human body. Derivatives of 2-pyrrolidone are used excessively in the pharmaceutical industry such as cotinine. It is found in tobacco and is primarily a nicotine metabolite. In biochemistry, cotinine is used as a biomarker to determine the extent of tobacco smoke exposure in a human. With the increasing number of people across the globe being addicted to nicotine consumption through several forms such as smoking and tobacco chewing, the demand for 2-pyrrolidone is expected to continue rising since it is used in clinical trials and research directed toward managing nicotine addiction in the general population.

A report by Smokefree Veterans concluded that almost 80 to 90% of regular smokers are addicted to nicotine. Another statistic by the World Health Organization (WHO) claims that around 1.3 billion people in the world are dependent on nicotine consumption. In November 2021, WHO witnessed the addition of 2 new tobacco cessation medicines to its list of essential medicines. Varenicline and bupropion are known to reduce nicotine cravings without acting as a source of nicotine alternatives. Such remarkable studies and developments in the nicotine-related biopharma industry are an indication of the role played by 2-pyrrolidone derivatives.

On the other hand, cotinine is also being explored for its application in other mental health conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Alzheimer’s disease, and schizophrenia. These factors are likely to drive the 2-pyrrolidone industry to new heights.

2-Pyrrolidone Market: Restraints

Concerns of associated side-effects to restrict market growth

The global 2-pyrrolidone market growth faces restrictions owing to the associated health concerns with 2-pyrrolidone especially for workers who are involved in the production process and other activities resulting in proximity to the compound. For instance, 2-pyrrolidone is known as an eye irritant. It can also lead to skin irritation and difficulties in breathing by impacting the respiratory tract. Several incidents related to skin allergies caused by 2-pyrrolidone have been reported in recent times. Certain latest studies have raised questions about the adverse effects of exposure to 2-pyrrolidone derivatives such as 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. It is known to cause nausea, stomach pain, headache, and vomiting.

2-Pyrrolidone Market: Opportunities

Extensive application in the production of N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) to create expansion opportunities

The 2-pyrrolidone industry is expected to benefit from the growing application of the compound in the production of NMP along with rising investments in large-scale production of N-methylpyrrolidone. In recent years, NMP has played a crucial role in assisting the petrochemical industry to meet the changing demand from the end consumers in terms of quantity and quality. It is used for processes such as the extraction and refining of hydrocarbons, asphalt modification, and desulfurization to name a few. In addition to this N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) is used in the growing paints and coatings industry as a solvent. The range of NMP applications is extremely high and 2-pyrrolidone is an intermediate used to produce highly versatile N-methylpyrrolidone. Companies involved in the production and distribution of NMP are investing in production expansion as the demand for the compound continues to grow. In December 2022, leading chemical producer BASF officially announced its plan to raise its prices of NMP in the European and North American markets influenced by market conditions.

2-Pyrrolidone Market: Challenges

Complex statutory compliance protocols for the production and distribution of 2-pyrrolidone may challenge market growth

The 2-pyrrolidone industry players are expected to face certain challenges owing to the complex nature of statutory protocols that surround the production and distribution of critical compounds such as 2-pyrrolidine. The chemical industry in general is subject to changing guidelines owing to the critical nature of the materials being produced and sold and can lead to catastrophic events if they are not stored or used properly. Moreover, the high cost of initial investment related to the construction of a 2-pyrrolidone production plant and the lack of infrastructure for the safe transport of the compound adds to additional limitations in the market.

2-Pyrrolidone Market: Segmentation

The global 2-pyrrolidone market is segmented based on application, form, packaging, grade, end-user, and region.

Based on application, the global market segments are plasticizers, solvents, decolorants, and others.

Based on form, the global 2-pyrrolidone market divisions are liquid and powder.

Based on packaging, the 2-pyrrolidone industry is divided into bags, drums, jars, oilcans, and others.

Based on grade, the global market divisions are technical grade, pharma grade, and lab grade.

Based on end-user industry, the 2-pyrrolidone industry is divided into pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, printing inks, chemicals, and others.

2-Pyrrolidone Market: Report Scope

2-Pyrrolidone Market: Regional Analysis

Asia-Pacific to remain undefeated during the projection period

The global 2-pyrrolidone market is expected to be led by Asia-Pacific during the forecast period. In 2022, the region controlled over 36% of the global revenue due to the presence of an extensive chemicals industry in Asian countries, especially China and India. The former is the leading producer of all essential chemicals and acts as a major supplier of 2-pyrrolidone and its derivatives. Additionally, the country has high domestic application of the compound especially in the paints and coatings sector. As of 2021, China’s coating industry was valued at USD 47 billion as per official reports. India, on the other hand, is home to multiple producers of suppliers of innovative painting solutions catering to the demands of the growing end-user verticals including building & construction, automotive, and other sectors. In the last few years, dominant chemical manufacturers have made their way to Asian countries due to the availability of affordable labor and favorable government policies.

2-Pyrrolidone Market: Competitive Analysis

The report provides a company market share analysis to give a broader overview of the key market players. In addition, the report also covers key strategic developments of the market, including acquisitions & mergers, new product launches, agreements, partnerships, collaborations & joint ventures, research & development, and regional expansion of major participants involved in the 2-pyrrolidone market on a global and regional basis.

The global 2-pyrrolidone market is dominated by players like:

• Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
• LyondellBasell Industries N.V.
• Eastman Chemical Company
• Zhejiang Realsun Chemical Co. Ltd.
• Merck KGaA
• Shandong Xinhua Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.
• BASF SE
• Nanjing Jinlong Chemical Co. Ltd.
• Hefei Tengchao Chemical Material Co. Ltd.
• Ashland Global Holdings Inc.
• Hefei TNJ Chemical Industry Co. Ltd.
• Solvay S.A.
• Anhui Leafchem Co. Ltd.

The global 2-pyrrolidone market is segmented as follows:

By Application

• Plasticizers
• Solvent
• Decolorant
• Others

By Form

• Liquid
• Powder

By Packaging

• Bags
• Drum
• Jars
• Oilcan
• Others

By Grade

• Technical Grade
• Pharma Grade
• Lab Grade

By End-User Industry

• Pharmaceutical
• Cosmetics
• Printing Inks
• Chemicals
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • France
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• The Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Egypt
  • Kuwait
  • South Africa
  • Rest of the Middle East & Africa
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America