N, N-Dimethylformamide
Dimethylformamide (CH3)2NC(O)H, C3H7NO, CAS no. 68-12-2, also known as N, N-Dimethylmethanamide, N-Formyldimethylamine, Formamide, N, N-Dimethyl or DMF is a volatile organic compound.
N,N-Dimethylformamide is a derivative of formamide, whereby the amino hydrogens are replaced by methyl groups.
It is a colourless liquid with an ammonia-like faint fishy odour, miscible with water and most organic liquids.
The applications of DMF are numerous. They include:
- A widely-used laboratory and industrial solvent
- Production of polyurethane plastics
- In the textile industry for the manufacture of dyes, pigments and synthetic leathers
- Surface coating, paint strippers and adhesive formulations
- Trace level determination of solvents
- Pharmaceutical manufacture, including crystalisations
- Organic synthesis, eg. in acyl halide complexes
DMF is known to be extremely hazardous to human and animal health. With only minimal exposure, DMF is easily absorbed through the skin and can cause damage to the liver, lungs and kidneys. Acute exposure to DMF can also cause skin problems such as rashes and dermatitis.
The product is available in various pack quantities and grades to suit your application, for example Extra Pure, Extra Dry, ACS, Analytical, HPLC, GC Headspace and Molecular Biology for sequencing work.
When using this product, the information and advice given in the Safety Data Sheet should be observed. Due attention should also be given to the appropriate precautions necessary for handling chemicals.