Dimethyl Acetimide
Dimethyl Acetimide is a versatile organic compound used predominantly as a solvent and intermediate in chemical syntheses. It is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with good solvency properties for a wide range of organic substances. Known for its stability and relatively low toxicity compared to similar amides, Dimethyl Acetimide finds applications in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty chemical manufacturing. Its miscibility with water and many organic solvents makes it suitable for formulation and processing roles.
Dimethyl Acetimide Uses
Primary UsesÂ
- Pharmaceutical Industry
- Used as a reaction medium and solvent in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
- Facilitates dissolution and extraction of various drug intermediates due to its polarity and solvent characteristics.
- Acts as a stabilizer and carrier solvent in formulations requiring moderate polarity and low volatility.
- Chemical Synthesis
- Serves as an intermediate in the production of dyes, pigments, and other specialty chemicals.
- Used as a solvent for polymerization processes and as a reagent in organic synthesis.
- Applied in acetylation reactions and as a catalyst medium in certain chemical transformations.
- Agrochemical Formulations
- Used as a solvent and carrier in the production and formulation of herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides.
- Improves the solubility and bioavailability of active ingredients in crop protection products.
Secondary UsesÂ
- Industrial Cleaning
- Utilized in specialized cleaning agents and degreasers for industrial equipment due to its solvent properties.
- Coatings & Paints
- Acts as a solvent and coalescing agent in coatings, paints, and varnishes to enhance drying and film formation.
- Laboratory Reagent
Employed as a solvent and reagent in analytical chemistry and research laboratories.
- Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): N,N-Dimethylacetamide
- Common/Trade Name: Dimethyl Acetimide (often used interchangeably with N,N-Dimethylacetamide or DMAc)
- CAS Number: 127-19-5
- HS Code: 2924.19.90
- Molecular Formula: C4H9NO
- Synonyms:
- DMAc
- N,N-Dimethylacetamide
- Acetyl dimethylamide
- Dimethylacetamid
- Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid
- Odor: Mild, amide-like odor
- Boiling Point: 164–166°C
- Melting Point: −20°C
- Density: ~0.937 g/cm³ at 20°C
- Solubility: Miscible with water, alcohols, ethers, and many organic solvents
- Stability: Stable under normal conditions; hygroscopic
- Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS): Classified as hazardous; skin irritant and suspected reproductive toxin (Category 2)
- Toxicity: Moderate toxicity; potential for skin and respiratory irritation
- Exposure Limits: Occupational exposure limit typically around 10 ppm (ACGIH TLV)
- Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed containers, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from sources of ignition
- Container Type: Glass or steel drums, HDPE containers for smaller volumes
- Shelf Life: 1–2 years under proper storage
- Handling Precautions: Avoid inhalation, skin and eye contact; use appropriate PPE
- Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Listed on REACH, TSCA, and other global chemical inventories
- Controlled under chemical safety regulations due to potential reproductive toxicity
- Not approved as a food additive or pharmaceutical excipient
- Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects
- Persistence: Moderate environmental persistence
- Bioaccumulation: Low potential for bioaccumulation
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic; suspected reproductive toxin
Safety Handling Precautions
PPE Required:
- Chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile)
- Safety goggles or face shield
- Protective lab coat or apron
- Use respiratory protection if ventilation is inadequate
Handling Guidelines:
- Avoid inhalation of vapors and contact with skin and eyes
- Use in well-ventilated areas or fume hoods
- Prevent spills and minimize dust or mist formation
Storage Measures:
- Keep container tightly closed
- Store away from heat, flames, and incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers and acids
- Ensure secondary containment to prevent environmental release
Hygiene Practices:
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke during use
- Remove contaminated clothing immediately
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately; seek medical attention if symptoms such as dizziness or breathing difficulty occur
- Skin Contact: Wash affected area with soap and water; seek medical advice if irritation persists
- Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; consult a physician if irritation occurs
- Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth and seek immediate medical attention
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Combustible liquid; emits toxic fumes under fire conditions
- Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry chemical, COâ‚‚, or water spray to extinguish fire
- Special Precautions: Firefighters should wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
- Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and other toxic fumes
Related products
Diethyl Glycol (DEG)
Methoxy Propanol (PM)Glycol Ether
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)
Primary Uses
- Coatings and Paints
- Solvent in lacquers, varnishes, and paints to improve application and drying.
- Enhances film formation and gloss.
- Adhesives and Sealants
- Used as a solvent in adhesives, particularly for bonding plastics and rubber.
- Printing Inks
- Serves as a solvent to improve ink flow and drying characteristics.
- Cleaning and Degreasing
- Effective solvent for cleaning metal surfaces and removing grease and oil.
Secondary Uses
- Chemical Intermediate
- Used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and other chemicals.
- Laboratory Reagent
- Applied as a solvent in analytical and synthetic laboratory procedures.
- Plastics and Rubber Processing
- Utilized as a solvent in polymer coatings and rubber cements.