dimethylformamide: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (technical term)Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “dimethylformamide” mean?
A colourless, organic, polar solvent with the chemical formula (CH₃)₂NC(O)H.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A colourless, organic, polar solvent with the chemical formula (CH₃)₂NC(O)H.
A high-boiling-point, water-miscible liquid widely used as an industrial solvent, particularly in the manufacture of polymers, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals, and in gas purification.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or semantic differences. The compound name follows standard IUPAC nomenclature. The abbreviated form 'DMF' is universal.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in general language, but standard and equally common within its specific technical domains in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “dimethylformamide” in a Sentence
V + in + dimethylformamide (e.g., dissolve, suspend)N + of + dimethylformamide (e.g., a drop, a litre)ADJ + dimethylformamide (e.g., pure, dry, excess)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dimethylformamide” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The dimethylformamide solution was then cooled.
- A dimethylformamide-based process is often used.
American English
- The dimethylformamide mixture was stirred.
- DMF-free alternatives were sought.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May appear in procurement lists, safety data sheets (SDS), or industrial supply chain documents for chemical manufacturing.
Academic
Common in chemistry, pharmacology, and materials science research papers, laboratory manuals, and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary register. Used in chemical synthesis protocols, process descriptions, patents, and safety guidelines in laboratories and industry.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dimethylformamide”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dimethylformamide”
- Misspelling: 'dimethylformamide' (common), 'dimethylformamid', 'dymethylformamide'.
- Incorrect hyphenation: 'di-methyl-formamide'.
- Confusing it with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), another common solvent.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. DMF is toxic, particularly to the liver, and can be absorbed through the skin. It requires careful handling with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and adequate ventilation.
DMF is the standard abbreviation for dimethylformamide, as well as for its full systematic name, N,N-dimethylformamide.
Yes. Dimethylformamide is miscible with water in all proportions, meaning it can mix completely to form a homogeneous solution.
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is another polar aprotic solvent often used for similar purposes, though their chemical properties and toxicities differ.
A colourless, organic, polar solvent with the chemical formula (CH₃)₂NC(O)H.
Dimethylformamide is usually technical / scientific in register.
Dimethylformamide: in British English it is pronounced /dʌɪˌmiːθ(ʌ)ɪlˈfɔːməmaɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /daɪˌmɛθ(ə)lˈfɔːrməmaɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DIMethylFORMamide: Think of a 'dim' (less bright) version of a 'formal' (structured) chemical 'amide'. It's a formal, structured solvent where two methyl (DIMethyl) groups are attached.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary field of use for dimethylformamide (DMF)?