Dimethylformamide

Description

A clear, toxic liquid that is considered a universal Solvent since it is miscible in both water and organic solvents. Dimethylformamide (DMF) dissolves most natural and synthetic resins, and, with heat and time, DMF will even soften Epoxy. It is often used in liquid chromatographic systems as a gradient intermediate between polar and nonpolar solvents. DMF is also used in some commercial paint stripping formulations.

Chemical structure

Synonyms and Related Terms

DMF; DMFA; n,n-dimethyl formamide

Risks

• Carcinogenic.
• Overexposure may cause vomiting, liver damage and high blood pressure.
• Irritant to skin.
• Combustible; moderate fire risk. Flash point = 58C
• Toxic by inhalation, ingestion and skin absorption.
• Greenfield: SDS

Physical and Chemical Properties

Miscible with water and most common organic solvents.

Composition	HCON(CH3)2
CAS	68-12-2
Melting Point	-61 C
Density	0.9445 g/ml
Molecular Weight	mol. wt. = 73.09
Boiling Point	153 C

Comparisons

Properties of Common Solvents

Resources and Citations

• The Merck Index, Martha Windholz (ed.), Merck Research Labs, Rahway NJ, 10th edition, 1983 Comment: entry 9232

• Hermann Kuhn, Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art and Antiquities, Butterworths, London, 1986