Povidone (PVP K30)
CAS 9003-39-8 · (C₆H₉NO)ₙ · K-value 27–32
The industry-standard tablet binder, film-forming agent and solubility enhancer. Chelora supplies pharmacopoeia-grade povidone — IP, BP and USP-NF — with certificate of analysis and full documentation on every batch.
- IP / BP / USP-NF grades
- Non-DG transport
- Samples to bulk
K 27–32
K-value range
CAS number
9003-39-8
K-value
27 – 32.4
Pharmacopoeia
IP · BP · USP-NF
Transport
Non-DG
Product overview
The universal binder in modern pharmaceutics
Povidone (polyvinylpyrrolidone, PVP) is a synthetic water-soluble polymer produced by radical polymerisation of N-vinylpyrrolidone. Introduced in the 1940s as a plasma expander, it rapidly became one of the most versatile and widely used excipients in pharmaceutical, cosmetic and industrial formulation.
PVP K30 — the grade defined by a Fikentscher K-value of 27–32.4, corresponding to an average molecular weight of approximately 40,000–54,000 Da — is the industry's first-choice binder for both wet and dry granulation in tablet manufacture. Its excellent adhesive properties promote granule cohesion, improve compressibility and reduce friability of the finished tablet.
Beyond binding, povidone serves as a film-forming agent in ophthalmic and topical preparations, a crystallisation inhibitor in amorphous solid dispersions for poorly soluble APIs, and a complexing agent — most notably in the povidone-iodine (PVP-I) antiseptic complex used worldwide in wound care and surgical preparation.
In cosmetics, PVP is the backbone polymer of hair-setting lotions, mousses and sprays, forming a clear, flexible, non-flaking film on hair fibres. Its safety profile, regulatory acceptance across all major pharmacopoeias and broad functional versatility make povidone an indispensable building block in formulation development.
Technical specifications
Applications & end uses
Industries that depend on Povidone
Tablet binder (wet & dry granulation)
Povidone K30 is one of the most widely used binders in tablet manufacture. In wet granulation it is dissolved in the granulation fluid; in dry granulation it is blended directly with the powder mix. It promotes cohesion, improves tablet hardness and reduces friability.
Film-forming agent in ophthalmic solutions
PVP acts as a viscosity modifier and film-former in ophthalmic drops and artificial tear preparations, improving ocular residence time and providing a protective comfort layer on the corneal surface.
Solubility enhancer (solid dispersions)
Povidone is used to prepare amorphous solid dispersions of poorly water-soluble APIs via hot-melt extrusion or spray drying. The polymer inhibits recrystallisation and dramatically increases the dissolution rate and bioavailability of BCS Class II drugs.
Cosmetic hair styling fixative
In hair-care formulations, PVP forms a clear, flexible film on hair fibres that provides hold and body. It is a key polymer in setting lotions, mousses, gels and hair sprays, valued for its non-flaking finish and humidity resistance.
Wound dressing & PVP-iodine antiseptic
PVP complexed with molecular iodine yields povidone-iodine (PVP-I), a broad-spectrum antiseptic used in surgical scrubs, wound dressings and pre-operative skin preparation. The complex provides sustained iodine release with reduced tissue irritation.
Stabiliser for injectable solutions
Low-K-value povidone grades serve as stabilisers and solubilisers in parenteral formulations, helping maintain the physical stability of suspensions and co-solvency of APIs in aqueous injection vehicles.
Available grades
K-value grades for every formulation need
K 27–32
Pharma grade PVP K30 (IP/BP/USP)
Tablet binder, film-forming, solid dispersions
K 22–28
PVP K25
Coatings, adhesives, lower viscosity binding
K 81–97
PVP K90
High-viscosity applications, hydrogels, wound care
Packaging options
Moisture-protected and pharmacopoeia-labelled
25 kg — HDPE-lined fibre drum
Standard pharmaceutical unit; double-bag moisture barrier
50 kg — HDPE-lined fibre drum
Bulk formulation and contract manufacturing supply
Sample — Sealed HDPE container
QC evaluation and formulation development trial
Documentation supplied
Complete paperwork for QC and regulatory
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Batch-specific results for K-value, pH, loss on drying, residual peroxides, aldehydes, heavy metals and nitrogen content.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
GHS-format, 16-section SDS covering handling, first aid, fire-fighting, accidental release and disposal.
Specification sheet
Limit values for each test parameter aligned to IP, BP or USP-NF monograph.
Drug Master File (DMF) reference
Chelora can reference its DMF on file with regulatory authorities for your ANDA or marketing-authorisation dossier.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Povidone (PVP K30)
What K-value grades of Povidone does Chelora supply?+
What is the difference between PVP K-values?+
Is Povidone hygroscopic and how should it be stored?+
Can Povidone be used in parenteral (injectable) formulations?+
Is Povidone classified as a hazardous material for transport?+
What is the typical lead time for a bulk order of PVP K30?+
Related excipients
Other pharmaceutical excipients from Chelora
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