Substance profile
N-Methylformamide
N-methylformamide is a clear colorless liquid with a slight amine odor.
01 · Identification
What N-Methylformamide is
N-methylformamide is a clear colorless liquid with a slight amine odor. Its molecular formula is C2H5NO and its molecular weight is 59.07 g/mol. It boils at 183 °C, melts at -5.4 °C, is very soluble in water.
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.
03 · Physical and chemical properties
N-Methylformamide 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 | 182.5 °C (360.5 °F) | ICSC | |
| 182.5 °C (360.5 °F) | range, midpoint shown | HSDB | |
| 182.5 °C (360.5 °F) | range, midpoint shown, at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -5.4 °C (22.3 °F) | HSDB | |
| -40 °C (-40 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| -3 °C (26.6 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Density | 1.003 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | ICSC |
| 0.9961 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| 1.011 g/cm³ | at 18.89 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Very soluble in acetone, ethanol. | HSDB | |
| Miscible in water | HSDB | ||
| greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992) | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Vapor pressure | 0.253 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
| 0.2 mmHg | at 25 °C | CAMEO | |
| Flash point | 98 °C (208.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| 97.78 °C (208 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 322.78 °C (613 °F) | CAMEO | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.8 % by volume | CAMEO | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 19.7 % by volume | CAMEO | |
| Vapor density | 2.04 (air = 1) | ICSC |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling N-Methylformamide
Incompatible materials
VIOLENT REACTION WITH BENZENE SULFONYL CHLORIDE.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
N-METHYLFORMAMIDE is incompatible with benzene sulfonyl chloride. It is also incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, acids, bases and acid chlorides. It may react with chlorine, bromine, nitrates, nitric acid, triethylaluminum, potassium permanganate, chromic acid, chromic anhydride, chromium trioxide, borohydrides, hydrides, thionyl chloride, metallic sodium, phosphorus trioxide, diborane, (octafluoroisobutyrate + sodium nitrite) and (perchloryl fluoride + potassium methyl 4,4-dinitrobutyrate). (NTP, 1992)
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check N-Methylformamide in the storage compatibility matrix →