N-vinylcaprolactam-based copolymers and the use thereof as solubilizers

A method comprising:

• providing a substance selected from the group consisting of substances which are insoluble in water, substances which are only sparingly soluble in water, and combinations thereof;
• and
• combining the substance and a solubilizing amount of a copolymer comprising:
• (a) 60 to 99% by weight of N-vinylcaprolactam;
• and
• (b) 1 to 40% by weight of at least one other monomer selected from the group consisting of:
• C8-C30-alkyl esters of monoethylenically unsaturated C3-C8-carboxylic acids;
• N—C8-30 alkyl-substituted amides and. N,N—C8.30 dialkyl-substituted amides of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, or combinations thereof;
• vinyl esters of aliphatic unbranched C8-C30-carboxylic acids;
• C8-C30-alkyl vinyl ethers;
• and mixtures thereof.

A preparation comprising:

• a substance selected from the group consisting of substances which are insoluble in water, substances which are only sparingly soluble in water, and combinations thereof;
• and
• a solubilizing amount of a copolymer comprising:
• (a) 60 to 99% by weight of N-vinylcaprolactam;
• and
• (b) 1 to 40% by weight of at least one other monomer selected from the group consisting of:
• C8-C30-alkyl esters of monoethylenically unsaturated C3-C8-carboxylic acids;
• N—C8-30 alkyl-substituted amides and N,N—C8-30 dialkyl-substituted amides of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, or combinations thereof;
• vinyl esters of aliphatic unbranched C8-C30-carboxylic acids;
• C8-C30-alkyl vinyl ethers;
• and mixtures thereof.