Dimethylformamide (DMF)

A strongly polar aprotic solvent combining high-polymer dissolution with organic synthesis and extraction performance.

At a Glance

CAS No.	68-12-2
Chemical Name	N,N-Dimethylformamide (DMF; dimethylformamide)
Molecular Formula	C3H7NO
Purity	≥99%
Origin	China
Packaging	210 L steel drum (190 kg) / IBC / ISO tank / small drum
Lead Time	15–20 working days after deposit

Product Overview

Dimethylformamide — also called N,N-dimethylformamide or DMF — is a recognised broad-spectrum polar industrial solvent produced by the continuous formylation of dimethylamine followed by distillation. Trace water, free amine and formic acid are tightly controlled, so batch purity is consistent and does not interfere with polymerisation reactions or drug purification steps. Its very high polarity dissolves difficult polymers such as polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile and polyimide as well as inorganic salts and organic active intermediates, and it is miscible in any ratio with water, alcohols, esters and aromatics — one of the few general media compatible with both polar and non-polar materials.

Worldwide expansion of synthetic leather, new-energy batteries and active pharmaceutical ingredients keeps DMF demand steady. As the core material for wet spinning and polyurethane coating it is purchased continuously by the textile and furniture industries, while high-end pharmaceutical intermediates show clear growth. Although environmental controls keep tightening, closed-loop recovery lines reduce consumption sharply so the overall cost of use stays manageable. Sealed at ambient temperature the product is stable; simply avoid strong acids, strong oxidisers and halides and provide an explosion-proof, ventilated workshop for large-scale production.

Key Advantages

Exceptionally Broad Solvency for Difficult Polymers

PU, PAN and polyimide resins that ordinary esters and ketones cannot dissolve go into solution completely in DMF, which is why it underpins wet coating and fibre spinning processes.

Miscible with Water and Organics, a Forgiving Formulation

It does not split into aqueous and oil phases, so extraction, dilution and synthesis systems need no extra cosolvent; formulations are simpler and fewer solvents need to be kept in stock.

High-Boiling Reaction Medium for Controllable Low-Temperature Synthesis

The moderate boiling point gives a wide reaction temperature window, and low-temperature extraction rarely damages the active components of drugs or fragrances, improving finished yield and purity.

Distillable and Recyclable, Lower Cost Over Time

The moderate boiling point makes distillation of waste streams simple, so synthetic leather and electronics cleaning lines can reuse the solvent repeatedly, cutting both hazardous-waste disposal and raw material purchase costs.

Applications

DMF serves six distinct industrial routes: PU synthetic leather and chemical fibre, pharmaceutical APIs, agrochemical fine synthesis, electronics and new energy, high-end coatings and screen inks, and petrochemical olefin separation.

• PU synthetic leather and chemical fibre — a coating solvent for wet-process PU artificial leather and a wet-spinning medium for acrylic and carbon fibre, ensuring uniform forming and a soft hand feel.
• Pharmaceutical API synthesis — an extraction and reaction solvent for cephalosporin, antibiotic, vitamin and hormone intermediates; it purifies gently with high recovery of the active ingredient.
• Agrochemical fine chemicals — a reaction medium for herbicide, insecticide and fungicide synthesis; it improves dissolution stability of the technical material and makes emulsifiable concentrate blending easier.
• Electronics and new-energy materials — a solvent for PCB photoresists, a medium for lithium-battery electrode slurry and a dissolution carrier for perovskite photovoltaic precursors.

Technical Specifications

Appearance	Colourless transparent to pale yellow liquid with a fishy odour
Purity	≥99%
Molecular Formula	C3H7NO
CAS No.	68-12-2
EINECS No.	200-629-7
Relative Density (water = 1)	0.95
Flash Point	58 °C (CC)
Boiling Point	153 °C
Hazard Classification	Class 3 flammable liquid
Stability	Stable
Solubility	Miscible with water; miscible with most organic solvents
Storage	Store in a cool, ventilated dedicated hazardous goods warehouse below 37 °C, sealed to exclude air throughout. Keep segregated from strong acids, halogens and oxidisers. The area requires explosion-proof lighting, spark-free tools and sand or earth spill containment material.

Composition

Component	Concentration	CAS No.
N,N-Dimethylformamide	≥99%	68-12-2

Transport & Compliance

UN No.	UN3092
Hazard Class	Class 3 flammable liquid
Packing Group	III
HS Code	2909499090
Packaging	190 kg per drum (210 L steel drum)

UN and HS codes are shown for reference only — please confirm with us before shipment.

FAQ

What is your minimum order quantity?

Our MOQ is one 20GP container — up to 80 drums of 210 L.

What packaging do you offer?

Standard 210 L steel drums, plus IBC totes, ISO tank containers and small drums.

How many drums fit in a 20GP or 40GP, and can you consolidate?

Yes, we consolidate up to 5 product types in one shipment. A 20GP holds up to 80 drums (210 L); a 40GP holds around 130 drums (210 L).

What is the lead time?

15–20 working days after the deposit is received.

Which export documents do you provide?

COA, MSDS, commodity inspection certificate and dangerous goods packaging certificate. We can also assist with Certificate of Origin and other customs paperwork.

What payment terms do you accept?

T/T: 30% deposit, 70% balance against a copy of the Bill of Lading.

Technical Documents