Formamide, also called methanamide, is an organic compound with the molecular formula CH3NO (CAS 75-12-7). It is a colorless, transparent liquid with a slight ammonia odor. It serves as a raw material for synthesizing medicines, spices and dyes, and as a solvent for the extraction of synthetic fibers, plastics processing and the production of lignocellulosic inks.
Formamide Solubility
Formamide is insoluble in ether and chlorinated solvents and slightly soluble in benzene. It is miscible with water, methanol, ethanol, acetic acid, acetone, dioxane, ethylene glycol, phenol and low-grade esters. It dissolves casein (but not albumin), glucose, zein, gelatin, animal glue, resins, starch, lignin, acetate fibers, nylon, and certain inorganic salts including chlorides of copper, lead, zinc, tin, cobalt, iron, aluminum and nickel, plus some sulfates and nitrates.
Chemical Properties of Formamide
- Hydrolysis is slow at room temperature and is accelerated by raising the temperature or adding acids or bases.
- The carbonyl and amide groups are both active, enabling many reactions to produce nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds.
- Reacts with inorganic acids to produce formic acid and ammonium salts.
- With organic halides or alcohols (catalyst present), produces formic acid esters.
- Combines with cobalt, copper and nickel salts to form complexes.
- Strong dehydrating agents such as phosphorus pentoxide can generate hydrogen cyanide - this requires high temperature or specific catalytic conditions; treat with caution.
- Reacts with phosphorus pentasulfide to form thioformamide.
Corrosion note: formamide strongly corrodes copper, brass, lead and rubber - pay attention during storage and transportation.
Formamide Uses
- Organic synthesis: intermediate for imidazole, pyrimidine, 1,3,5-triazine, caffeine, theophylline and theobromine.
- Raw material for formic acid and dimethylformamide production.
- Raw material for dyestuffs, fragrances, pigments, adhesives, textile auxiliaries and paper treatments.
- Paper treatment agent and softener for the fiber industry and animal glue.
- Analytical reagent for determining amino-acid content in rice.
- Excellent organic solvent for spinning acrylonitrile copolymers and ion-exchange resins, and for antistatic or conductive coatings on plastic products.