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Chemical Name: N,N-Dimethylformamide
Common Name: DMF
CAS Number: 68-12-2
Recommended Use: Solvent for chemical reactions, production of fibers, plastics, synthetic leathers, surface coatings
Manufacturer Identity: Major industrial chemical suppliers and laboratories worldwide use and distribute DMF
Emergency Contact: Refer to local poison control center or manufacturer's emergency hotline for immediate concerns
Classification: Flammable liquid, Category 3; Acute toxicity (oral), Category 4; Skin irritation, Category 2; Serious eye irritation, Category 2A; Reproductive toxicity, Category 2; Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure, Category 2
Label Elements: Warning sign with flame and health hazard pictograms; H226 (flammable liquid and vapor), H312 (harmful in contact with skin), H319 (causes serious eye irritation), H361d (suspected of damaging the unborn child), H373 (may cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure)
Main Hazards: Absorption through skin leading to liver and reproductive organ effects; significant inhalation hazard in poorly ventilated areas; eye irritation leading to redness and pain
Substance: N,N-Dimethylformamide
Chemical Formula: C3H7NO
Concentration Range: Usually supplied pure or as aqueous solutions; levels in mixtures can affect exposure risks
Impurities: Trace impurities may include formic acid or other related amides depending on manufacturer
Inhalation: Remove individual to fresh air immediately; monitor breathing and provide oxygen if needed; get medical help if respiratory symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; wash skin thoroughly for several minutes with soap and cool water; seek medical attention for persistent irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes cautiously with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; remove contact lenses if present and easy to do; call a physician
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly; never induce vomiting unless specifically directed by medical personnel; seek prompt medical care
Immediate Symptoms: Throat and lung irritation, skin redness, headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide, or water spray (never use direct water jet on burning liquid)
Fire Hazards: DMF vapors may form explosive mixtures with air and can travel to ignition sources; combustion produces toxic gases including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxides
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full protective suit including self-contained breathing apparatus due to toxic fumes
Special Fire-Fighting Procedures: Cool fire-exposed containers with water spray; use caution to prevent runoff into drains due to environmental risk
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, ventilate, prevent further leakage if safe; wear protective gloves, goggles, impervious clothing, and respiratory protection if airborne exposure possible
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spilled material from entering surface water, sewers, or soil; notify authorities in case of large spill
Methods for Clean-Up: Small spills: absorb with inert material (sand, earth, or commercial spill pads) and transfer to waste containers; large spills: dike with noncombustible material, collect liquid for disposal; clean area with water after removal
Handling: Use only in well-ventilated locations; keep containers closed; never breathe vapors or mists; wash hands after contact; avoid skin and eye contact by using protective gear
Storage: Store in tightly closed, labeled containers away from heat, sparks, and sources of ignition; segregate from oxidizers, acids, and reactive chemicals; recommended storage temperature below 25°C
Specific Storage Hazards: May attack certain plastics, resins, and coatings; avoid copper, zinc, and their alloys in piping and tanks
Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL 10 ppm (30 mg/m3); ACGIH TLV 10 ppm (skin – absorbable through skin)
Engineering Controls: Mechanically exhaust areas where hot work or high vapor levels may occur; use closed system transfer for large volumes
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical splash goggles or face shield; nitrile or butyl-rubber gloves; flame-resistant lab coat or apron; approved respiratory protection for high air concentrations
Hygiene Measures: Wash thoroughly after handling; remove contaminated clothing promptly; do not eat, drink, or smoke where DMF is handled
Physical State: Colorless, transparent liquid
Odor: Slightly fishy, ammonia-like smell
pH: Neutral in water
Melting Point: -61°C
Boiling Point: 153°C
Flash Point: 58°C (closed cup)
Auto-Ignition Temperature: 445°C
Vapor Pressure: 3.7 mmHg at 20°C
Solubility: Fully miscible with water, many organic solvents
Density: 0.944 g/cm3 at 20°C
Viscosity: 0.8 mPa·s
Explosive Limits: Lower 2.2%, upper 14.2% by volume in air
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and use conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, open flames, static discharge, strong sunlight
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, acids, alkali metals, halogens, some plastics
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, dimethylamine, formic acid
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Reacts exothermically with formic acid, chlorine, sodium; risk of violent polymerization when mixed with reactive chemicals
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat) approximately 2800 mg/kg; inhalation LC50 (rat, 4hr) about 9400 mg/m3 ; skin LD50 (rabbit) about 1100 mg/kg
Chronic Effects: Extended inhalation or skin contact can cause liver damage (increased liver enzymes and jaundice), reproductive toxicity;
Sensitization: Low potential for skin sensitization
Mutagenicity: No clear evidence found in animal studies
Carcinogenicity: IARC Group 3 (not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity); no definitive links found with occupational cancer
Reproductive Toxicity: Developmental effects in laboratory animals at high exposures; classified as “suspected of damaging the unborn child”
Other Health Effects: Headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, drowsiness, and, at high levels, unconsciousness
Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic life in high concentrations; LC50 (freshwater fish, 96hr) about 9300 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable under aerobic conditions; half-life in water about 3–10 days depending on environment
Bioaccumulation: Not expected due to high solubility and low potential for bioaccumulation
Mobility in Soil: Highly mobile, can leach to groundwater; rapid migration expected in case of spill
Other Adverse Effects: Not expected to cause long-term adverse effects in terrestrial or aquatic environments if handled and disposed properly
Waste Disposal Methods: Incinerate in licensed hazardous waste facility; comply with all local, regional, and national regulations
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse thoroughly with water; send to appropriate recycler or hazardous waste disposal provider
Precautions for Disposal: Do not pour into drains, surface water, ground water, or soil; ensure waste containers are labeled according to regulations
UN Number: UN2265
Proper Shipping Name: N,N-Dimethylformamide
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (flammable liquid)
Packing Group: III
Labels Required: Flammable liquid label
Special Transport Provisions: Secure containers to avoid leaks; comply with ADR/RID, IMDG, IATA rules for hazardous liquids; report spills immediately
Inventory Status: Listed on TSCA (US), EINECS/ELINCS (Europe), DSL (Canada), AICS (Australia), ENCS (Japan), among others
Regulations: Subject to OSHA workplace safety standards; EU REACH registration required; restricted in some jurisdictions due to reproductive toxicity concerns
Hazard Communication: Requires GHS-compliant labeling and safety training for all personnel in contact with material
Community Right-to-Know: Requires reporting under SARA Title III Sec. 313 in the United States for both large-scale handlers and accidental releases
Restrictions and Requirements: Medical surveillance may be required for frequent handlers; use limitations in consumer products in certain regions
