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Dimethyl Formamide

Dimethylformamide is an organic compound represented by the chemical formula (CH3)2NC(O)H. It is frequently abbreviated as DMF, although this abbreviation is occasionally employed for dimethylfuran or dimethyl fumarate. This clear liquid is capable of mixing with water and most organic solvents. DMF is a widely used solvent in chemical reactions. While dimethylformamide itself lacks an odor, technical-grade or degraded samples may emit a fishy scent due to the presence of dimethylamine impurities.

Synonyms
N-Formyldimethylamine I DMF
Chemical Formula
C3H7NO
CAS Number
68-12-2

Characteristics

Molar Weight
73.095g/mol
Melting Point
-61 °C
Boiling Point
153 °C
Flash Point
57.7 °C
Density
0.9445
Forms
Liquid (clear)

Uses and Applications

Key applications

  • Dyes
  • Laboratory chemicals
  • Cleaning products
  • Adhesives and Sealants

Dimethylformamide

Dimethylformamide (DMF) is an amide of formic acid that is widely used as an effective solvent for many organic compounds. It is a chemical compound that does not occur in nature.

Properties of dimethylformamide

Dimethylformamide is a colourless to yellowish liquid. The organic compound can be mixed with water and many organic solvents.
DMF decomposes under the influence of light and heat to form dimethylamine and carbon monoxide. If acids or bases are added, they catalyse the decomposition into formic acid and dimethylamine. Dimethylformamide reacts violently with substances such as sodium hydride, sodium tetrahydroborate, lithium azide, sodium, thionyl chloride and triethylaluminium.
Dimethylformamide is produced synthetically by the reaction of dimethylamine with carbon dioxide or by the reaction of formamide with methanol or dimethylamine.
Closeup rubber adhesive that is used in general and in factories

Dimethylformamide in the chemical industry

Dimethylformamide is of great relevance in the chemical industry. It is a versatile polar (uneven distribution of electrical charge) and aprotic (does not release protons) solvent for many organic and inorganic compounds. Thanks to ist thermal stability, DMF is also suitable for reactions under extreme conditions. As a carrier medium, it also influences the speed and selectivity of many chemical reactions ort he production of chemicals.

Dimethylformamide in the polymer and plastics industry

Dimethylformamide plays a central role as a thermally stable solvent in the polymer and plastics industry. It is mainly used in processes in which polymers have to be dissolved, moulded or synthesised, for example in the production of flexible films or protective coatings in various industrial applications.
In the production of semi-permeable membranes for applications in water treatment or dialysis, dimethylformamide enables the formation of fine and uniform membrane layers.
DMF is also an important reaction partner in many organic synthesis processes or serves as a solvent. It is used in the production of epoxy resins or polyimides, which are widely used in electronics, aviation and other high-tech applications.

Dimethylformamide in the adhesives and sealants industry

Dimethylformamide is an important solvent and reaction medium for the adhesives and sealants industry. It is often used as a solvent in the production of polyurethane (PU) adhesives, which are widely used in the construction industry, the automotive sector and in textile production.
It is also used in the production of acrylic adhesives for packaging, labelling and the electronics industry as well as PVC adhesives for pipes, windows and floor coverings. Dimethylformamide is also used as a solvent for adhesives in the shoe and leather industry.
DMF acts as a reaction medium for bi-component adhesives (automotive, aviation and construction industries).
Dimethylformamide is also used in the manufacture of sealants, particularly polyurethane and silicone-based sealants used in construction, automotive and aviation.
Man cleaning machine

Dimethylformamide in the cleaning industry

Dimethylformamide is used in the cleaning industry as a strong solvent for organic substances that are difficult to dissolve. Thanks to its high penetration capacity, DMF also removes encrusted or hardened materials.
It is used, for example, to clean machines and industrial plants in order to dissolve residues such as resins, greases, oils and polymers. Another area of application is the removal of paints and varnishes as well as industrial adhesives and sealants.
Dimethylformamide is also used to clean sensitive electronic components, as it dissolves many organic compounds without damaging the electronics.

Dimethylformamide in the energy sector

Dimethylformamide is used in the energy industry as a thermally stable solvent for the production of batteries (especially lithium-ion batteries), solar cells and fuel cells.
It is also used in gas processing and in the desulphurisation of natural gas. In gas scrubbers, it is used as a solvent to remove sulphur compounds such as hydrogen sulphide from natural gas.

Dimethylformamide in the textile industry

Dimethylformamide is used in the textile industry as a solvent and processing agent, particularly in the production of synthetic fibres and artificial leather as well as in the coating of textiles.
DMF plays a central role in the production of synthetic fibres such as polyacrylonitrile (PAN), which is often used as a substitute for wool and further processed into fabrics for clothing, carpets and other textile products.
In the manufacture of polyurethane-based elastane fibres (also known as Spandex or Lycra), dimethylformamide dissolves polyurethane to produce stretchable textile fibres used for sportswear, underwear and other elastic textile products.
DMF is also an important solvent in the production of artificial leather and in the coating of textiles. In the production of PU-coated fabrics, for example for waterproof and hard-wearing textiles, it is used to dissolve polyurethane. This is then applied to the substrate to create a durable, flexible and waterproof coating.
In some cases, dimethylformamide is also used as an auxiliary agent in the dyeing of textiles, especially with poorly soluble dyes. It ensures more even colouring.

Other areas of application for dimethylformamide

Dimethylformamide is of great importance to the pharmaceutical industry. It acts as a solvent for the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Due to its polar, aprotic nature, it dissolves both polar and non-polar substances and facilitates many reactions used in drug production and drug development.
Dimethylformamide is also used in the construction industry as a solvent for the production of a wide range of materials such as adhesives and insulating materials. It is also an important solvent for the paint and varnish industry as well as for the rubber and caoutchouc industry.
In the cosmetics industry, dimethylformamide is used as a solvent and carrier substance for skin and nail care products.