Detailed Product Description:

Dimethylformamide is a water-white combustible organic solvent.

Commonly used as a solvent for vinyl resins, and for organic synthesis,

often referred to as “DMF.”  This colorless liquid is miscible with

water and the majority of organic liquids.  

Grade/Purity:

This is Reagent Grade material with 99% minimum purity.

Background:

DMF is a common solvent for chemical reactions.  Its name is

derived from the fact that it is a derivative of formamide, the amide

of formic acid.

Dimethylformamide is a polar (hydrophilic) aprotic solvent with a high

boiling point.  It facilitates reactions that follow polar mechanisms.  It can

be synthesized from formic acid and dimethylamine.  DMF is not stable in

the presence of strong bases like sodium hydroxide or strong acids such as

hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid and is hydrolyzed back into formic acid

and dimethylamine, especially at elevated temperatures.

Applications:

The primary use of dimethylformamide is as a solvent with a low evaporation

rate.  It is used in the production of acrylic fibers and plastics.  It is also used

as a solvent in peptide coupling for pharmaceuticals, in the development and

production of pesticides, and in the manufacture of adhesives, synthetic leathers,

fibers, films, and surface coatings.

DMF penetrates most plastics and makes them swell.  It is therefore frequently

present as a component of paint strippers.

Precautions

Reaction with sodium hydride in DMF as a solvent are somewhat hazardous;

exothermic decomposition has been reported at temperatures as low as 26 °C.  

On a laboratory scale any thermal runaway is (usually) quickly noticed and

brought under control with an ice bath.

Toxicity

DMF has been linked to cancer in humans, and it is thought to cause birth

defects.  In some sectors of industry women are banned from working with

DMF.  For many reactions, it can be replaced with dimethyl sulfoxide.  Most

manufacturers of DMF list (Life) or (Chronic) as a health hazard in their MSDS

since DMF is not readily disposed of by the body.  According to IARC, DMF is

a possible carcinogen, although EPA does not consider it a cancer risk.

Combustible, moderate fire risk, explosive limits in air range from 2 to 13%.

Toxic by skin absorption and inhalation with a TLV = 10 ppm

                Click here to download MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)

Packaging:

Comes packed in 500 ml boston round, amber glass bottle.  Also available in 250ml size.