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Substance Name: N,N-Dimethylformamide Anhydrous
Chemical Formula: C3H7NO
CAS Number: 68-12-2
Common Uses: This solvent shows up in labs, electronics factories, and chemical plants. Engineers and chemists turn to it for resin processing, polymer spinning, and pharmaceutical synthesis.
Main Hazards: On bare skin, this liquid soaks right in. Eyes sting after short contact. Breathing its vapors may irritate the nose and lungs. Chronic exposures link to liver impacts, and some evidence links it to reproductive difficulties. On open flames, it can catch fire, making work environments risky without ventilation and flame controls.
Main Ingredient: More than 99% pure N,N-Dimethylformamide (DMF) ends up in most bottles meant for laboratory or manufacturing use. Impurities trace back to synthesis or storage in some grades, but DMF dominates the content.
Eyes: Rinse right away with clean water for at least 15 minutes. Keep eyelids open and look for medical care.
Skin: Wash skin using lots of soap and running water. Ditch contaminated clothes and footwear. Seek help if redness or irritation sticks around.
Inhalation: Get to open air if breathing becomes difficult. Medical attention may be needed if irritation or discomfort lingers.
Ingestion: Drink water, avoid inducing vomiting, and ask for immediate medical help due to the risk of systemic absorption.
Extinguishing Media: Select foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide for spills that catch fire. Water sprays knock down vapors and cool exposed surfaces.
Risks: Heat or flames release toxic gases like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. Airborne vapors can travel and ignite far from the spill.
Personal Protection: Firefighters put on self-contained breathing gear and chemical-resistant suits due to the risk of harmful fumes.
Measures: Ventilate the area and clear non-essential people from the scene. Cover drains to block chemical flow into water supplies. Absorb small spills with inert material like sand or vermiculite, then shovel into labeled containers. Wash the area with water, avoiding drainage into the environment. Shield skin and eyes with personal protective gear.
Handling: Pour and mix only in well-ventilated spaces, always using gloves, goggles, and protective clothing. Prevent vapor buildup with good exhaust systems and avoid direct contact. Never eat, drink, or smoke near work areas.
Storage: Store in tightly sealed stainless steel or glass containers in cool, dry places. Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, and incompatible substances—such as oxidizers and strong acids.
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation sucks out fumes at the source. General room ventilation backs up the process.
Personal Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves—such as nitrile—keep hands safe. Splash goggles and full-face shields protect eyes. Wear flame-resistant lab coats or aprons. In areas with high vapor concentrations, use certified respirators.
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid with a distinct, fishy smell.
Boiling Point: Around 153°C (307°F).
Melting Point: -61°C (-78°F).
Solubility: Mixes easily with water and most organic solvents.
Vapor Pressure: About 3.7 mmHg at 20°C.
Density: Roughly 0.944 g/cm³ at 20°C.
Flash Point: 58°C (136°F) in closed cups.
Flammability: Both vapor and liquid catch fire with an ignition source.
Chemical Stability: Stays stable under normal temperatures and pressures. Storage above recommended temperatures increases risk.
Reactivity: DMF reacts with strong acids, oxidizing agents, and halogens. Avoid storing or mixing near those chemicals to prevent dangerous reactions.
Decomposition: Heating above boiling point, or fire exposure, produces hazardous gases including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxides.
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin absorption, eye contact, and swallowing.
Acute Effects: Irritation of eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. High doses cause drowsiness, weakness, or nausea. Studies connect repeated exposure to liver injury.
Chronic Effects: Prolonged contact leads to harm to the liver. Some studies show reproductive risks and possible teratogenicity in rodents after extended exposure. Absorption through skin makes workplace controls essential.
Carcinogenicity: No clear evidence of cancer in humans, but some agencies advise caution due to links found in animal research.
Aquatic Toxicity: DMF poses a threat to aquatic organisms in large amounts. Small quantities break down quickly in aerobic environments, but high spills overburden wastewater treatment.
Degradability: Microbes degrade DMF fairly rapidly in soil and water, lowering long-term risk.
Bioaccumulation: The chemical doesn't build up in animal tissues, but acute contamination still causes short-term toxicity in fish and plankton.
Disposal: Wastes containing DMF head to licensed chemical disposal sites. Avoid pouring into drains, water sources, or regular trash. Burning in chemical incinerators with scrubbers removes harmful byproducts.
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse thoroughly or treat containers as hazardous waste, keeping safety equipment in use during the process.
UN Number: Listed as a flammable liquid under United Nations guidelines.
Transport Regulations: Transportation authorities classify DMF as a hazardous material. Specialized labeling, secure containers, and documentation limit leaks and accidents. Only trained personnel handle DMF in transit due to fire and toxicity risks.
Workplace Controls: National and international standards, including those set by agencies like OSHA and the EU, set maximum exposure levels. Details on permissible exposure limits (PELs) and recommended exposure limits (RELs) apply.
Restricted Uses: Rules exist around use in consumer products due to toxicity, reproductive harm, and environmental impact. Safety training, regular air monitoring, and recordkeeping form the backbone of workplace compliance.
