Substance profile
Formamide
Formamide is slightly viscous, colorless liquid with a faint ammonia odor.
01 · Identification
What Formamide is
Formamide is slightly viscous, colorless liquid with a faint ammonia odor. Its molecular formula is CH3NO and its molecular weight is 45.041 g/mol. It boils at 211 °C, melts at 2.6 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger.
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. |
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Formamide 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 | 210.5 °C (410.9 °F) | at 760 mmHg | HSDB |
| 220 °C (428 °F) | at 760 mmHg | DOE PAC | |
| 206 °C (402.8 °F) | range, midpoint shown | HSDB | |
| Melting point | 2.55 °C (36.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| 2.78 °C (37 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 2.5 °C (36.5 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 1.13 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 1.1334 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Sol in alcohol and acetone | HSDB | |
| Miscible with methanol, phenol, dioxane, acetic acid, ethylene glycol, USP glycerol. | HSDB | ||
| Insoluble in ethanol; very soluble in ethyl ether; miscible in chloroform, petroleum ether. | HSDB | ||
| Vapor pressure | 0.06 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC |
| 0.061 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 154.44 °C (310 °F) | HSDB | |
| Autoignition temperature | 154.44 °C (310 °F) | CAMEO | |
| 500 °C (932 °F) | above this value | ICSC | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 2.7 % by volume | ICSC | |
| Has exploded while in storage. | HSDB | ||
| Class IIIB Combustible Liquid: Fl.P. at or above 200 °F. | NIOSH | ||
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 19 % by volume | ICSC | |
| Vapor density | 1.56 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 1.6 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Odor threshold | Odor recognition in water: 1.00X10+2 (chemically pure) | HSDB | |
| 150 mg/cu m (odor low) 150 mg/cu m (odor high) | HSDB | ||
| Corrosivity | Copper, brass and even lead are attacked. | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Formamide
Storage conditions
For storage ... tanks of stainless steel or aluminum are indicated. When small amounts of iron are permissible, mild steel can be used for tank cars and drums. Caffeine, adenine and other purines stabilize formamide in storage ...
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatible with iodine, pyridine and sulfur trioxide.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
FORMAMIDE is incompatible with strong oxidizers, acids and bases. Sensitive to light. Reacts with water very slowly at room temperature, but rate is accelerated by acids and bases at elevated temperatures. Incompatible with iodine, pyridine and sulfur trioxide. Reacts explosively with furfuryl alcohol, H2O2, Tl(NO3)3.H2O, nitromethane and P2O5. An effective solvent: dissolves casein, glucose, tannins, starch, lignin, polyvinyl alcohol, cellulose acetate, nylon, the chlorides of copper, lead, zinc, tin, cobalt, iron, aluminum and nickel, the acetates of the alkali metals, some inorganic sulfates and nitrates. Attacks copper and brass (NTP, 1992).
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Formamide in the storage compatibility matrix →