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Chemical Name: N,N-Dimethylformamide
Synonyms: DMF
Chemical Formula: C3H7NO
Universal Use: As a solvent in industrial and laboratory environments due to high solvency power
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid with a faint ammonia-like odor
Common Applications: Used in plastics, pharmaceuticals, acrylic fiber spinning and as a reaction medium in organic synthesis
Main Hazards: Harmful by inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact
Acute Effects: Causes skin and eye irritation, headache, nausea, and dizziness
Chronic Issues: Long-term contact causes liver damage; can be absorbed through skin
Flammability: Liquid and vapor catch fire easily
Classified Risks: Health hazard, flammable liquid, possible reproductive toxicity risk; classified GHS Category 3 for flammable liquids, can cause organ damage
Main Ingredient: N,N-Dimethylformamide (DMF) at purity exceeding 99%
CAS Number: 68-12-2
Impurities: Minimal, often below detection limits in reputable lab or industrial stocks
Significance: Exposure to pure or nearly pure DMF brings higher health risks than diluted blends, so concentration level always matters
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and wash skin thoroughly with soap and water
Eye Contact: Rinse with plenty of water, at least fifteen minutes; get medical advice
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, assist breathing if needed, seek medical attention
Ingestion: Do not force vomiting; rinse mouth, give water; get medical help right away
Note for Responders: Monitor for signs of liver distress and dehydration, since DMF gets absorbed rapidly
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, or alcohol-resistant foam
Special Hazards: Risk of toxic fumes like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides upon combustion
Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Firefighting Advice: Cool fire-adjacent containers with water spray to avoid violent rupture; keep run-off from entering drains and waterways
Spill Response: Eliminate ignition sources; ventilate area
Containment: Use inert absorbent, like sand or earth, to collect small spills
Cleanup: Shovel up absorbed material and place in appropriate disposal container
Precaution: Prevent from entering water systems or sewers; wear gloves, goggles, and protective clothing during cleanup
Handling: Use only in ventilated areas and avoid breathing vapors or any contact with skin and eyes
Storage Needs: Store in tightly closed containers, away from heat sources, direct sunlight, and oxidizers
Safe Storage Practices: Keep in a cool, dry place—never near acids or halogens; label clearly for hazard recognition
Engineering Controls: Use fume hoods and efficient exhaust systems in handling areas
Personal Protection: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, splash-proof goggles, and impervious clothing
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH/MSHA-approved respirators if airborne concentrations risk exceeding exposure limits
Hygiene Advice: Wash hands thoroughly and change soiled clothing promptly; no eating or drinking while handling DMF
Physical State: Liquid at room temperature
Boiling Point: Around 153°C
Melting Point: Negative 61°C
Vapor Pressure: Low at ambient conditions, but enough to cause exposure risk
Solubility: Fully miscible in water
Odor Threshold: Noticeable at low concentrations
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures
Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with halogens, strong acids, and oxidizers, forming dangerous substances
Hazardous Decomposition: Produces toxic fumes in fires, especially carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides
Incompatibilities: Strong alkalis and certain plastics get damaged by DMF contact
Routes of Exposure: Absorbed through skin, lungs, and digestive tract
Acute Toxicity: Moderate—can cause liver damage, nausea, vomiting, and headache
Health Risks: Chronic exposure risks for reproductive toxicity and liver stress
Human Evidence: Laboratory workers with long-term DMF exposure have shown increases in liver enzymes and skin issues
Environmental Fate: Breaks down relatively fast, but can harm aquatic life at high concentrations
Ecotoxicity: Damages water-dwelling organisms; persistent residues alter microbial balance in soil
Bioaccumulation: Low potential, but continuous releases build contamination locally
Preferred Method: Incineration in approved facilities; non-incinerable waste handled as hazardous chemical muscle
Contaminated Containers: Rinse thoroughly then destroy; do not reuse
Special Attention: Never pour to drains or natural waterways; always use labeled hazardous waste containers
Proper Shipping Name: N,N-Dimethylformamide
Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquid)
Packing Group: III
Transport Precautions: Keep securely sealed, away from heat sources, separate from incompatible materials
Occupational Limits: OSHA and ACGIH set permissible exposure limits—common threshold at 10 ppm TWA
GHS Label: Includes flammable, health hazard pictograms
Worker Safeguards: Employers often required to monitor air and provide safety training on hazards and controls
International Status: Subject to environmental, transit, and health regulation in many countries based on known health risks—always check local standards before use
