N-Vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) is a colorless to pale yellow transparent liquid with a faint amine-like odor. It is soluble in both water and organic solvents, exhibits hygroscopicity, and can undergo free radical polymerization. Its main applications include the synthesis of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), use as a pharmaceutical excipient, in contact lens lubricating solutions, and as a thickener for personal care products.