Dimethylformamide

From Sciencemadness Wiki
Revision as of 20:24, 6 January 2016 by Mabus (Talk | contribs)

Jump to: navigation, search

Dimethylformamide or N,N-dimethylformamide is an organic compound with the formula (CH3)2NC(O)H.

Properties

Chemical

DMF penetrates most types of plastic and causes them to swell.

Physical

Dimethylformamide is an odorless, colorless liquid, miscible with water and most organic liquids. Technical grade or degraded samples often have a fishy smell due to impurities, such as dimethylamine.

Availability

DMF is sold by various chemical suppliers.

Preparation

Dimethylformamide can be synthesized from methyl formate and dimethylamine or by reaction of dimethylamine with carbon monoxide.

Projects

  • Acyl halide synthesis

Handling

Safety

DMF has been linked to cancer in humans, and it is thought to cause birth defects.

Storage

In closed bottles, away from any acidic vapors. DMF will slowly break down to release dimethylamine.

Disposal

DMF should be mixed with a more flammable solvent and safely burned.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads