Dimethylformamide (DMF)

Dimethylformamide (DMF) is a clear liquid that is miscible with water and most organic solvents. It is a common solvent for chemical reactions. Pure dimethylformamide has a special odor, and industrial grade or deteriorated dimethylformamide has a fishy smell because it contains impurities of dimethylamine. Dimethylformamide is made using methyl formate and dimethylamine. Dimethylformamide is unstable (especially at elevated temperatures) in the presence of a strong base such as sodium hydroxide or a strong acid such as hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid and hydrolyzed to formic acid and dimethylamine.