N,N-Diethylformamide (DEF)

N, N – DIETHYLFORMAMIDE (DEF) – A VERSATILE AMIDE SOLVENT FOR ORGANIC SYNTHESIS

N,N-Diethylformamide (DEF) is a clear, slightly coloured amide solvent with good solvency for many organic compounds. It is used in organic synthesis, pharmaceutical production and many industrial applications.

PRODUCT INFORMATION / Introduced packaging: industrial drums. The product is an amide liquid of moderate flammability. Acceptance criteria must be based on the COA of the actual batch delivered.

1. What Is N, N – DIETHYLFORMAMIDE (DEF)?

N,N-Diethylformamide (DEF) is an organic compound with the formula C5H11NO, an amide that exists as a colourless to light yellow liquid. Thanks to its good solvency for many organic compounds and high chemical stability, DEF is used as a solvent in organic synthesis, pharmaceutical production and many speciality industrial applications.

2. Product Identification and Technical Data

Property	Information
Product name	N,N-Diethylformamide (DEF)
Common names	Diethyl Formamide; Formyldiethylamine
Chemical formula	C5H11NO
CAS No.	617-84-5
EC No.	210-533-2
Molecular weight	101.15 g/mol
Appearance	Colourless to light yellow liquid
Odour	Characteristic mild odour
Solubility	Miscible with many organic solvents
Flash point	~60°C (closed cup)
Packaging	Industrial drums
Origin shown on packaging	China

2.1. Typical Commercial Specifications

Parameter	Typical reference
Purity	≥ 99%
Density (20°C)	~0.908
Boiling point	176 – 177°C
Flash point	~60°C (closed cup)
Refractive index (20°C)	~1.434
Water content	According to batch COA
Stability	Stable under normal conditions
Colour	Colourless to light yellow
Other parameters	According to batch COA

TECHNICAL NOTICE / The values in this document are provided for reference only and do not replace the TDS, SDS or COA. Acceptance must be verified against the documentation of the actual delivered batch.

3. Key Features

• Good solvency for many organic compounds and polymers.
• High chemical stability under normal conditions.
• High purity suitable for organic synthesis.
• Low colour with minimal effect on final products.
• High boiling point suitable for medium-temperature reactions.

4. Applications

4.1. Organic Synthesis and Pharmaceuticals

• Solvent in organic and pharmaceutical synthesis.
• Solvent for condensation and substitution reactions.
• Raw material and solvent for chemical intermediates.
• Solvent in research pharmaceutical production.
• Solvent for speciality synthesis reactions.

4.2. Chemical Industry

• Solvent in polymer and materials production.
• Extraction solvent in selected processes.
• Laboratory and analytical solvent.
• Component of industrial solvent systems.

4.3. Other Applications

• Solvent in selected speciality production processes.

5. Instructions for Use

• Use according to the technical guidance and recommended parameters of the manufacturer.
• Blend only with materials whose compatibility has been assessed.
• Perform compatibility and small-scale tests before full-scale production.
• Check shelf life, container condition and labels before use.
• Do not mix with incompatible chemicals without a technical assessment.

6. Safety, Storage and Transportation

• Wear safety goggles, gloves, organic-vapour respirator and protective clothing when handling N,N-Diethylformamide.
• Work in a well-ventilated area; vapours are heavier than air and may accumulate in low-lying areas.
• Store in a dry, cool warehouse away from heat sources; keep drums on pallets.
• Keep containers closed when not in use; keep away from open flame, sparks, static electricity and heat sources.
• Separate from strong oxidisers and incompatible chemicals.
• Do not discharge large quantities into drains, surface water or groundwater.
• Protect cargo from rain, secure the load and keep labels intact.
• If large amounts of vapour are inhaled, move the person to fresh air and seek medical attention. In case of eye contact, rinse with clean water for at least 15 minutes.

7. Selection and Acceptance Criteria

• Verify the COA of the actual delivered batch against the technical requirements.
• Check appearance, colour, clarity and visible impurities.
• Check container condition, seals, labels and traceability information.
• Review the SDS for storage and emergency handling.
• Check homogeneity, water-insoluble matter and batch-specific parameters.

8. Frequently Asked Questions