Substance profile
Dimethylformamide
Dimethylformamide is a colorless to very slightly yellow liquid with a fishy odor.
01 · Identification
What Dimethylformamide is
Dimethylformamide is a colorless to very slightly yellow liquid with a fishy odor. Its molecular formula is C3H7NO and its molecular weight is 73.09 g/mol. It boils at 153 °C, melts at -60.3 °C, is miscible with water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
Other names for Dimethylformamide
- DMF
- Dimethyl Formamide
- Dmf (Amide)
- Dmfa
- Formyldimethylamine
- N,N-Dimethylformamide
- N,N-Dimethylmethanamide
- N-Formyldimethylamine
- U-4224
- N,N-dimethylformamide
- dimethyl formamide
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H360D | May damage the unborn child. |
| H332 | Harmful if inhaled. |
| H312 | Harmful in contact with skin. |
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
Precautionary statements: P260, P264, P271, P280, P302, P304, P305, P312, P313, P337, P338, P352
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Dimethylformamide properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 152.8 °C (307 °F) | HSDB | |
| 152.78 °C (307 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 153 °C (307.4 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Melting point | -60.3 °C (-76.5 °F) | HSDB | |
| -61.11 °C (-78 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Density | 0.95 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 0.95 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 0.9445 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Miscible with water and most common organic solvents | HSDB | |
| Miscible with ethanol, ethyl ether, acetone, benzene; slightly soluble in ligroin | HSDB | ||
| Miscible | NIOSH | ||
| Vapor pressure | 3 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 3.87 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| 3.7 mmHg | at 25 °C | CAMEO | |
| Flash point | 58 °C (136.4 °F) | Closed cup | HSDB |
| 57.78 °C (136 °F) | HSDB | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 445 °C (833 °F) | HSDB | |
| 440 °C (824 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 2.2 % by volume | DOE PAC | |
| 2.2 % by volume | at 100 °C | HSDB | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 15.2 % by volume | NIOSH | |
| 15.2 % by volume | at 100 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 2.51 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 2.5 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Odor threshold | 300 mg/cu m (odor low) 300 mg/cu m (odor high) | HSDB | |
| Odor Threshold Low: 0.47 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Odor Threshold High: 100.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Critical temperature and pressure | 374 °C (705.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| Corrosivity | Pure dimethylformamide is essentially noncorrosive to metals. However, copper, tin and their alloys should be avoided. | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Dimethylformamide
Storage conditions
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Handle and store under inert gas.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
CAN REACT VIGOROUSLY WITH OXIDIZING AGENTS, HALOGENATED HYDROCARBONS, & INORG NITRATES.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
N,N-DIMETHYLFORMAMIDE may react violently with a broad range of chemicals, e.g.: alkaline metals (sodium, potassium), azides, hydrides (sodium borohydride, lithium aluminum hydride), bromine, chlorine, carbon tetrachloride, hexachlorocyclohexane, phosphorus pentaoxide, triethylaluminum, magnesium nitrate, organic nitrates. Forms explosive mixtures with lithium azide [Bretherick, 5th ed., 1995, p. 453]. Oxidation by chromium trioxide or potassium permanganate may lead to explosion [Pal B. C. et al., Chem. Eng. News, 1981, 59, p. 47].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Dimethylformamide in the storage compatibility matrix →
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