Dimethylformamide (DMF) is a solvent used in many products, but is a volatile organic compound (VOC) that can harm humans and wildlife. It is not stable with strong acids or bases. DMF is used in many products that require a strong chemical reaction, but it can cause cancer and chronic organ damage. The MSDS rates DMF as a health hazard and flammable, but it poses little threat of reaction with other chemicals.
Dimethylformamide (DMF) is an organic compound used as a solvent for many products, including lacquers, pigments and dyes. Known as a volatile organic compound (VOC), DMF can endanger both humans and wildlife, but the threat is considered minimal because it does not occur in nature and is not encountered by humans outside of occupational settings . Dimethylformamide is not stable when strong acids or bases are present and hydrolyzes back to its original state of dimethylamine and formic acid. According to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), dimethylformamide is a health hazard, flammable, reacts with skin on contact, and poses little threat of reaction with other chemicals.
There are several ways to form dimethylformamide, all of which involve the use of dimethylamine. For smaller production runs, dimethylamine is catalyzed with carbon monoxide and methanol or methyl formate. In larger, laboratory-scale productions, formic acid and dimethylamine react together to create this solvent.
As a solvent or chemical that mixes with other liquids, dimethylformamide is used in the formation of many products that require a strong chemical reaction. Its high boiling point leaves it with a low evaporation potential, so it won’t dissipate quickly when used with other chemicals at high temperatures. Many plastics and curing processes, such as curing leather, need this chemical to complete the product or process. It can also be used to break down many organic compounds.
Dimethylformamide is a neutral compound, so it doesn’t react very well when coupled with a strong acid or base. A strong base would be a compound like sodium hydroxide and a strong acid would be something like sulfuric acid. When a base or acid is paired with this compound, it will revert back to its original two components. This return process is enhanced when placed in a high temperature vat.
Dimethylformamide is a VOC, which means it is dangerous to humans and wildlife. It is not produced in nature and is not encountered outside certain working environments, so it is not considered a particularly dangerous compound. Tests have shown that DMF can easily and quickly transfer from dirt to groundwater and will spread rapidly through any body of water. Dimethylformamide has also been shown to cause cancer and chronically affects organs such as the lungs and heart.
The MSDS, which rates all compounds on a scale of 0 to 4, with 4 being a serious hazard, shows that DMF is a hazard. The worst risk is touching or touching the chemical, which is rated as a 3. Both health and flammability hazards earn a 2; Also, DMF should be stored away from high temperatures. The reactivity level is only 1, so it shouldn’t react with other compounds in a negative way.
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