Dimethylformamide (DMF) is an organic solvent with the chemical formula C₃H₇NO. It is a colorless, odorless, or slightly ammoniacal liquid, and it is widely used in a variety of chemical and industrial processes due to its excellent solvency properties. DMF is commonly used in the pharmaceutical, biotech, polymer, and electronics industries as a solvent and intermediate in various reactions. It is also used for extraction, purification, and chemical synthesis.
Properties of Dimethylformamide (DMF):
- Molecular Formula: C₃H₇NO
- Molar Mass: 73.09 g/mol
- CAS Number: 68-12-2
- Functional Group: Contains a formamide group (–C(=O)NH₂), making it a simple amide of formic acid.
- Reactivity:
- DMF is a polar aprotic solvent, meaning it does not have hydrogen-bonding capabilities but is highly polar and can dissolve a wide range of polar and non-polar compounds.
- It can react with strong bases, leading to the formation of dimethylamine and other byproducts.
- DMF undergoes hydrolysis under acidic or basic conditions, especially at high temperatures, leading to the formation of formic acid and dimethylamine.
- It can also participate in nucleophilic substitution and addition reactions in organic synthesis.
- Appearance: A colorless or slightly yellow liquid, usually odorless but sometimes has a faint, ammoniacal odor.
- Density: 0.944 g/cm³ at 20°C.
- Melting Point: −61°C (−78°F).
- Boiling Point: 153°C (307°F).
- Solubility:
- Miscible with water, as well as alcohols, ethers, chloroform, and other polar organic solvents.
- It dissolves a wide range of polymers, salts, and organics, which makes it an excellent solvent for chemical reactions.
Uses of Dimethylformamide (DMF):
- Solvent: A strong polar solvent used in a variety of chemical reactions and industrial processes.
- Pharmaceuticals: Used as a solvent for drug formulation and in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients.
- Polymer Industry: Used in the manufacture of polymers like acrylic fibers.
- Electronics: Used in the manufacture of semiconductors and in the cleaning of electronic components.