Material Safety Data Sheet: Dimethylformamide (DMF)

Identification

Product Name: Dimethylformamide
Chemical Formula: C3H7NO
Synonyms: DMF, N,N-Dimethylformamide
CAS Number: 68-12-2
Recommended Use: Solvent in chemical synthesis, pharmaceuticals, polymer production
Manufacturer/Supplier: Ask supplier for current contact information specific to batch
Emergency Contact: National Poison Control Center or designated emergency line available locally
Restrictions: Industrial and laboratory use only, not for household applications

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Flammable liquid (Category 3), Acute toxicity (oral, Category 4), Specific target organ toxicity – single exposure (Category 3), Reproductive toxicity (Category 1B)
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Flammable liquid and vapor, Harmful if swallowed or inhaled, Causes serious eye irritation, Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child, May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing vapors, Wear protective gloves, Keep container tightly closed, Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames, Use only outdoors or in well-ventilated areas, Wash hands thoroughly after handling, Use personal protective equipment as required
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, eye contact
Target Organs: Liver, kidney, central nervous system, reproductive system

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: N,N-Dimethylformamide
Concentration: >99% (by weight)
CAS Number: 68-12-2
Impurities/Additives: Trace water, minor organic impurities from manufacturing process
Molecular Weight: 73.09 g/mol
EINECS Number: 200-679-5

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air, keep comfortable for breathing, provide oxygen or artificial respiration if breathing is difficult, seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing immediately, wash thoroughly with soap and water, seek medical attention for irritation, burns, or persistent discomfort
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water gently for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, call for medical help if irritation develops or persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting unless directed by a healthcare provider, seek immediate medical attention
Symptoms of Exposure: Nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, skin or eye irritation, abdominal pain, signs of liver damage after repeated exposure

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical powder, or carbon dioxide
Specific Hazards: Vapors can ignite explosively, containers may burst under intense heat, toxic gases including carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen may form
Protective Equipment: Wear full protective gear, self-contained breathing apparatus
Firefighting Instructions: Cool exposed containers with water spray, move containers from fire area if possible, prevent run-off from entering drains or watercourses, isolate area and deny entry to nonessential personnel

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate personnel to safe areas, remove all sources of ignition, avoid contact with skin and eyes, wear chemical-resistant gloves and safety goggles, ventilate affected area
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so, do not allow product to reach drains or water sources, inform appropriate authorities of major releases
Containment: Dike area using absorbent materials like sand or earth
Cleanup Methods: Absorb with inert absorbent material, collect in suitable containers for disposal, clean area with detergent and water after removal of material, dispose of in accordance with local regulations

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid inhaling vapors, prevent skin and eye contact, use only in fume hood or well-ventilated areas, keep away from sources of ignition, maintain workplace exposure controls, wash hands before eating or drinking
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers, keep in cool dry well-ventilated area, separate from oxidizing agents, acids, and other incompatible substances, keep away from heat or sparks, label containers clearly
Incompatibilities: Strong acids, strong bases, oxidizers, halogens, reactive metals
Special Requirements: Ground and bond containers during transfer, use explosion-proof equipment and non-sparking tools

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: ACGIH TLV: 10 ppm TWA, OSHA PEL: 10 ppm (30 mg/m3) TWA
Appropriate Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, enclosed systems for large volumes, emergency eyewash and safety shower stations
Personal Protection: Wear chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or PVA), safety goggles, lab coat or apron, use properly fitted respirator if exposure limits may be exceeded
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face thoroughly after handling, do not eat, drink, or smoke in work areas, promptly remove contaminated clothing and launder before reuse
Monitoring: Use personal or area monitors to confirm airborne concentration does not exceed limits

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Faint amine-like
Odor Threshold: 100 ppm (approximate)
pH: Neutral (7, aqueous solution)
Melting Point: -61°C (-78°F)
Boiling Point: 153°C (307°F)
Flash Point: 58°C (136°F, closed cup)
Flammability: Flammable in presence of heat, sparks, flames
Evaporation Rate: 0.37 (Butyl acetate=1)
Vapor Pressure: 2.7 mmHg @ 20°C
Vapor Density: 2.5 (Air=1)
Solubility: Miscible with water and most organic solvents
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): -1.01
Auto-ignition Temperature: 445°C (833°F)
Decomposition Temperature: Not well defined
Viscosity: 0.92 mPa·s at 20°C

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Chemically stable under recommended storage conditions
Reactivity: Reacts vigorously with oxidizing agents, acids, bases, and halogens
Hazardous Reactions: May form toxic gases on contact with strong acids or during thermal decomposition
Conditions to Avoid: Heating above recommended temperatures, contact with incompatible materials, sparks and open flames
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, amines
Polymerization: Product does not polymerize under normal conditions

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat) 2800 mg/kg, Dermal LD50 (rabbit) >5000 mg/kg, Inhalation LC50 (rat) 9400 mg/m3 (4h)
Skin and Eye Contact: Causes irritation, possible absorption through skin
Respiratory Exposure: Causes irritation, headache, nausea, central nervous system effects
Chronic Effects: Liver and kidney damage on repeated or prolonged exposure, reproductive harm evidenced in animal studies, skin sensitization not commonly observed
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity: Limited evidence of mutagenicity from in vitro studies
Reproductive Toxicity: Documented reproductive effects in laboratory animals at high doses, suspected risk for humans

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms at elevated concentrations
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable, major breakdown via microbial action in soil and water
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low, log Kow suggests little potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms
Mobility in Soil: Highly mobile, risk for groundwater contamination
Other Adverse Effects: No significant long-term bioaccumulation in food chains expected

Disposal Considerations

Waste Handling: Collect for recovery or disposal by a licensed chemical waste disposal contractor
Disposal Methods: Incineration preferred, observe local and national regulations for hazardous organic liquid waste
Container Disposal: Empty containers retain vapor and residue, rinse before recycling or disposal
Avoid Release: Do not dispose via municipal sewage system or in uncontrolled water courses
Regulatory Controls: Confirm classification and disposal route in line with local hazardous waste legislation

Transport Information

UN Number: UN2265
Proper Shipping Name: N,N-Dimethylformamide
Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable Liquid)
Packing Group: III
Labels Required: Flammable Liquid
Marine Pollutant: No
Transport Special Precautions: Ship in tightly sealed containers, protect from physical damage, segregate from incompatible shipments, follow applicable international and national regulations

Regulatory Information

US TSCA: Listed
EU REACH: Registered; subject to specific restrictions on use due to reproductive toxicity classification
OSHA Hazard Communication: Classified as hazardous
SARA Title III: Not listed as extremely hazardous but subject to reporting under some sections
California Prop 65: Listed for developmental toxicity risk
Other Regulations: Subject to worker exposure controls, restrictions on industrial emissions, and waste handling rules in multiple countries