Dimethylformamide

1Identification

Name

Dimethylformamide

IUPAC name

N,N-dimethylformamide

CAS number

68-12-2

EC number

200-679-5

Molecular formula

C3H7NO

Molecular weight

73.09 g/mol

InChIKey

ZMXDDKWLCZADIW-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

CN(C)C=O

PubChem CID

6228

Synonyms

N,N-DIMETHYLFORMAMIDE, Dimethylformamide, Dimethyl formamide, N-Formyldimethylamine, Formamide, N,N-dimethyl-, Dimethylformamid, DMFA, N,N-Dimethyl formamide, Formyldimethylamine, Dimetilformamide, Dwumetyloformamid, Dimetylformamidu, DMF (amide), N,N Dimethylformamide

Recommended uses

• Dimethylformamide is primarily used as an industrial solvent. Dimethylformamide solutions are used to process polymer fibers, films, and surface coatings; to permit easy spinning of acrylic fibers; to produce wire enamels, and as a crystallization medium in the pharmaceutical industry.
  EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants
• Used as a solvent in acrylic fiber spinning, textile dyeing, and paint stripping; also used in coating, printing, gluing, and pharmaceutical manufacturing; [http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/90-105.html] Used as a solvent for vinyl resins; [Kanerva, p. 1786] Used in synthetic leather manufacturing; [JOEM 2004;46:729-736]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Semiconductor Manufacturing [Category: Industry] Textiles (Fiber & Fabric Manufacturing) [Category: Industry] Painting (Solvents) [Category: Paint] Working with Glues and Adhesives [Category: Other] Plastic Composites Manufacturing [Category: Industry] Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing) [Category: Industry]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• pH regulating agent Fuel agents Semiconductor and photovoltaic agent Tanning agents not otherwise specified Solvent Intermediate Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Catalyst Soil amendments (fertilizers) Stabilizing agent Cleaning agent
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Cleaning agent Solvent
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: SOLVENTS

Description

• N,N-Dimethylformamide can cause cancer according to California Labor Code and the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
  California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)
• N,n-dimethylformamide appears as a water-white liquid with a faint fishy odor. Flash point 136 °F. Slightly less dense than water. Vapors heavier than air. Toxic by inhalation or skin absorption. May irritate eyes.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• N,N-dimethylformamide is a member of the class of formamides that is formamide in which the amino hydrogens are replaced by methyl groups. It has a role as a geroprotector, a polar aprotic solvent and a hepatotoxic agent. It is a volatile organic compound and a member of formamides. It is functionally related to a formamide.
  ChEBI

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Danger

Pictograms

GHS07, GHS08

Classification source

Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

7 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

NFPA 704 rating

• 2 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause temporary incapacitation or residual injury.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 2 - Materials that must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high ambient temperatures before ignition can occur. Materials would not under normal conditions form hazardous atmospheres with air, but under high ambient temperatures or under moderate heating could release vapor in sufficient quantities to produce hazardous atmospheres with air.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Health hazards

• Irritation of eyes, skin and nose. May cause nausea. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• · May cause toxic effects if inhaled or absorbed through skin. · Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. · Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. · Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation, especially when in closed or confined areas. · Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Fire hazards

• Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Vapors are irritating (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• · HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. · Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. · Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. · Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks, etc.). · Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. · Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. · Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. · Containers may explode when heated. · Many liquids will float on water.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• Flammable. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. Above 58 °C explosive vapour/air mixtures may be formed.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• Dimethylformamide is used as an industrial solvent and in the production of fibers, films, and surface coatings. Acute (short-term) exposure to dimethylformamide has been observed to damage the liver in animals and in humans. Symptoms of acute exposure in humans include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, alcohol intolerance, and rashes. Chronic (long-term) occupational exposure to dimethylformamide by inhalation has resulted in effects on the liver and digestive disturbances in workers. Human studies suggested a possible association between dimethylformamide exposure and testicular cancer, but further studies failed to confirm this relationship.
  EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants
• Liquid causes first degree burns on short exposure; [CHRIS] Contact dermatitis reported in epoxy resin handler; Also can provoke alcohol-induced flushing; [Kanerva, p. 1786] DMF is toxic to the liver. [Reference #1] May cause liver injury and jaundice; [ICSC] Animals exposed to single lethal doses have CNS depression, anesthesia, convulsions, and coma. [HSDB] In the list of 15 chemicals classified as potentially fetotoxic even if MAK value observed; [Reference #2] Detailed reviews of these data indicate adverse effects on reproductive and teratogenic endpoints, but only at maternal toxicity. [ACGIH] See Carcinogenicity of some industrial chemicals, Volume 115.
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• General First Aid: · Call 911 or emergency medical service. · Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination. · Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely. · Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. · If victim is not breathing: -- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance. -- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• (General first aid procedures) Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately. Skin: Water flush promptly - If this chemical contacts the skin, flush the contaminated skin with water promptly. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and flush the skin with water promptly. If irritation persists after washing, get medical attention. Breathing: Respiratory support Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Symptoms of exposure

• Sore throat. Abdominal pain. Diarrhoea. Vomiting. Symptoms may be delayed.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• MAY BE ABSORBED! See Inhalation.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Pain.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• Wear self contained breathing apparatus for fire fighting if necessary.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Use water spray to cool unopened containers.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Hazardous combustion products

• When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of /nitrogen oxides/.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 129 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Miscible / Noxious)]: IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet). FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Immediate precautionary measure · Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. Large Spill · Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet). Fire · If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Spill cleanup

• Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. Ventilation. Remove all ignition sources. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Use personal protective equipment. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Remove all sources of ignition. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Beware of vapors accumulating to form explosive concentrations. Vapors can accumulate in low areas.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Contain spillage, and then collect with an electrically protected vacuum cleaner or by wet-brushing and place in container for disposal according to local regulations.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Separated from incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Handle and store under inert gas.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Ideal materials for ... storage are nonalloy (carbon) steels, austenitic chromium nickel steels ... and aluminum. Seals ... should be made of polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene or polypropylene of high molecular weight. Ethylene-propylene rubber may also be used. Graphite can be used for lubricating moving parts in contact with DMF ... Since dimethylformamide (DMF) is hygroscopic, it should be kept under a blanket of dry nitrogen. High purity DMF, as required for acrylic fibers, is best stored in aluminum tanks.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Dimethylformamide: Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact. Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact. Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated. Remove: WHEN WET OR CONTAMINATED - Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced. Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift. (NIOSH, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Contact of liq with skin is avoided by wearing polyethylene gloves (polyethylene and certain synthetic rubbers, eg, butadiene-styrene ... are among few polymers which are insol in dimethylformamide).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Use of impermeable gloves with long sleeves appears to be best method of preventing skin absorption of dmf. Silicone or glycerol barrier creams are less effective.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Breakthrough times greater than one hour reported by (normally) two or more testers for Butyl Rubber (Butyl). Breakthrough times less (usually significantly) two or more testers for Natural rubber (Nat.Rub) Neoprene (neop.), Nitrile rubber (nitrile) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). No data for chloride (nitrile/PVC), polyethylene (PE); polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and Viton.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Respirator recommendations

• NIOSH Up to 100 ppm: (APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator* Up to 250 ppm: (APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode* Up to 500 ppm: (APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator that has a tight-fitting facepiece and is operated in a continuous-flow mode* (APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece (APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions: (APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode (APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full f…
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• N,N-DIMETHYLFORMAMIDE may react violently with a broad range of chemicals, e.g.: alkaline metals (sodium, potassium), azides, hydrides (sodium borohydride, lithium aluminum hydride), bromine, chlorine, carbon tetrachloride, hexachlorocyclohexane, phosphorus pentaoxide, triethylaluminum, magnesium nitrate, organic nitrates. Forms explosive mixtures with lithium azide [Bretherick, 5th ed., 1995, p. 453]. Oxidation by chromium trioxide or potassium permanganate may lead to explosion [Pal B. C. et al., Chem. Eng. News, 1981, 59, p. 47].
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Flammable. Water soluble.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• CAN REACT VIGOROUSLY WITH OXIDIZING AGENTS, HALOGENATED HYDROCARBONS, & INORG NITRATES.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Forms explosive mixture with air. Contact with carbon tetrachloride and other halogenated cmpds, particularly in contact with iron or strong oxidizers may cause fire and explosions. Vigorous reaction with alkylaluminums. Incompatible with non-oxidizing mineral acids; strong acids; chlorinated hydrocarbons; isocynates, inorganic nitrates; phenols, cresols, ammonia, bromine, chromic anhydride; magnesium nitrate, methylene diisocyanate, phosphorus trioxide, triethylaluminum. Attacks some plastics, rubber and coatings.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Hot solutions of sodium tetrahydroborate (15.7% wt) in DMF will undergo a violent runaway thermal decomposition, the solid residue attaining a temperature of 310 °C. The induction period depends on temperature and is 45 hr at 62 °C and 45 min at 90 °C.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Chemical stability

• DMF is stable. It is hygroscopic and easily absorbs water form a humid atmosphere and should therefore be kept under dry nitrogen. High purity DMF, required for acrylic fibers, is best stored in aluminum tanks. DMF dose not change under light or oxygen and does not polymerize spontaneously. Temperatures >350 °C may cause decomposition to form dimethylamine and carbon dioxide, with pressure developing in closed containers.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Target organs

• Hepatic
  EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)
• Eyes, skin, respiratory system, liver, kidneys, cardiovascular system
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the liver. This may result in tissue lesions. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated. If swallowed the substance easily enters the airways and could result in aspiration pneumonitis.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Long-term exposure effects

• The substance may have effects on the liver. This may result in impaired functions. Tumours have been detected in experimental animals but may not be relevant to humans. Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes toxic effects upon human reproduction.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 12 of the supplier's SDS.

13Disposal considerations

• SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Recovering: Burn in soln in flammable solvent in furnace equipped with alkali scrubber. Recovery and recycle is an alternative to disposal for dimethyl formamide (DMF) from fiber spin baths and from PVC /polyvinyl chloride/ reactor cleaning solvents. Recommendable method: Incineration.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

UN number: UN 2265

Shipping name

• UN 2265; N,N-Dimethyl formamide.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• IMO 3; N,N-Dimethylformamide
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

DOT hazard class

• N,N-Dimethylformamide
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• UN2265
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• Class 3 Flammable and combustible liquid (49 eCFR § 173.120)
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172

DOT label

• Flammable Liquid
  CAMEO Chemicals

UN classification

• UN Hazard Class: 3; UN Pack Group: III
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Emergency Response Guidebook

• 2265 129
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• This action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to use the best demonstrated system of continuous emission reduction for equipment leaks of VOC, considering costs, non air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. N,N,-Dimethylformamide is produced, as an intermediate or a final product, by process units covered under this subpart.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 100 lb or 45.4 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV.D.3.b).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Pursuant to section 8(d) of TSCA, EPA promulgated a model Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule. The section 8(d) model rule requires manufacturers, importers, and processors of listed chemical substances and mixtures to submit to EPA copies and lists of unpublished health and safety studies. N,N,-Dimethylformamide is included on this list. Effective date: 4/13/89; Sunset date: 12/19/95.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Dimethylformamide is an indirect food additive for use only as a component of adhesives.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 6228 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.