High Purity N-Formyl Morpholine (NFM) for Industrial Use

Introduction to N-Formyl Morpholine(NFM)
N-Formyl Morpholine (NFM) is a crucial organic solvent and specialty intermediate widely applied in chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceuticals, and advanced material industries for its superior selectivity, solvency, and thermal stability. As the global push for cleaner separation and extraction technologies increases, N-Formyl Morpholine(NFM)’s role in aromatics extraction, gas desulfurization, and high-efficiency synthesis is more significant than ever.
- Molecular Formula: C5H9NO2
- CAS Number: 4394-85-8
- Typical Purity: ≥99.5% (by GC)
- Key Industry: Petrochemical, Pharmaceuticals, Specialty Extraction, Fine Chemicals
Industry Trends & Market Analysis
- Global N-Formyl Morpholine(NFM) market size reached $120 million in 2023, CAGR 5.9% over last 6 years.
- Petrochemical sector holds 56% of consumption share due to its efficiency in BTX extraction and gas sweetening.
- Robust demand from green energy projects and ultra-pure pharmaceuticals accelerates innovative NFM applications.

Technical Parameters of N-Formyl Morpholine(NFM)
Parameter | Typical Value | Test Method |
---|---|---|
Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid | Visual |
Assay (GC) | ≥99.5% | GC |
Water Content | ≤0.1% | Karl Fischer |
Density (20°C) | 1.136–1.139 g/cm³ | ISO 758 |
Boiling Point | 244–246°C | ASTM D1120 |
Viscosity (25°C) | 3.9–4.2 mPa·s | ISO 3104 |
Acidity (as HCOOH) | ≤0.01% | Titrimetry |
Color | ≤20 APHA | ASTM D1209 |
Manufacturing Process of N-Formyl Morpholine(NFM)
- Raw Materials Preparation: Morpholine and formic acid are dosed and quality-inspected as per ISO 9001 standards.
- Formylation Reaction: Continuous batch reactors using stainless steel (316L) with automated temperature control assure high conversion (>95%).
- Crude NFM Collection: Phase separation and preliminary filtration remove by-products.
- Purification via Distillation: Multi-stage vacuum distillation columns (ANSI-standard) yield product of ≥99.5% purity.
- Quality Control: Advanced inline GC and Karl Fischer systems for real-time monitoring; product meets REACH and RoHS directives.
- Packing: Packed in steel drums/IBC, with inert gas blanketing for transportation safety (UN/ADR compliant).
The entire production complies with environmental protection (ISO 14001), and safety (OHSAS 18001) certifications, ensuring product consistency and traceability.
Key Technological Advantages: corrosion-resistant workflows, energy-optimized heat exchangers, digital PAT controls, and low emission effluent management.


Performance & Third-party Test Data
- Testing meets ISO 9001:2015, REACH, and ASTM D1120 standards.
- Long shelf life: 24 months under original sealed, cool conditions.
- Corrosion protection: no degradation or visible corrosion on SS316L plates after 24 months’ contact.
- Color stability & purity maintained under ambient warehouse storage.
- Passed FDA 21 CFR (for indirect pharma synthesis usage class).
Distribution of Application Industries
- Petrochemical: 56%
- Fine Chemicals: 19%
- Pharmaceutical: 15%
- Others (R&D, Resins): 10%
Application Scenarios: Industry Use & Case Studies
- Utilized in N-Formyl Morpholine(NFM)-based extractive distillation units for benzene, toluene, xylene (BTX) separation in refineries.
- Compared to traditional sulfolane, NFM process shows 12-17% lower energy consumption and 20% less solvent loss (Ref: Shell UOP, 2023).
- Supports large-scale units: Shell Rotterdam and SINOPEC Maoming.
2. Natural Gas Desulfurization ("Sweetening")
- NFM acts as selective absorbent for H2S and mercaptans, ensuring ultra-low sulfur levels (
- 100+ installations worldwide (SABIC, PetroChina) have achieved >99.98% removal efficiency and 25% solvent life extension vs prior methods.
3. Pharmaceutical & Special Solvent Applications
- High-purity NFM grades are leveraged in cephalosporin, nucleoside, and active intermediate syntheses.
- FDA 21CFR indirect-usage conformity for regulated drug manufacturing processes.
Competitive Manufacturer Comparison & Customization
Criteria | Sincere Chemicals | Competitor A | Competitor B |
---|---|---|---|
Purity | ≥99.7% | ≥99.5% | ≥99.5% |
Compliance | ISO 9001/14001, REACH, FDA 21CFR | REACH | ISO 9001 |
Maximum Batch size | 22 MT | 12 MT | 15 MT |
Packaging Options | Drum/IBC/Tank ISO | Drum/IBC | Drum |
Custom Synthesis/Spec | Yes (on request) | No | No |
Supply Chain Security | 3 global production lines, 40+ partners | 1 factory | 2 factories |
After-sales | 24/7, technical onsite | 8/5 hotline | Email only |
Tailored Solutions & Custom Support
- Custom purity grades (for API and food-grade applications) per client specification.
- Packaging tailored for global logistics: certified drums (UN), IBCs, ISO tanks; special anti-corrosion liners available.
- Joint R&D and pilot scaling for novel extraction and separation process adaptation.
- Onsite and remote technical support, change control, and regular VOC reporting.
Projected Market Trends & Sustainability
- Growth in N-Formyl Morpholine(NFM) aligns with global renewable energy and low-carbon chemical initiatives.
- New developments: biobased NFM, production with
- Best-in-class life cycle assessment (LCA): 30% lower carbon footprint compared to trioxane and sulfolane routes.
- Regulatory momentum: stricter regulations on aromatic solvents boost demand for NFM in green chemistry applications.
- Regional growth: Major capacity additions in Asia-Pacific (especially China, India), with Middle East emerging as a new hub.
Service, Quality Assurance, and Delivery
- Delivery cycle: 7–14 days worldwide (FOB/CIF/DDU), 3–5 days for urgent orders.
- Warranty commitment: All N-Formyl Morpholine(NFM) batches 100% tested, with COA and SDS available; 2-year quality guarantee.
- Technical Service: Free onsite process audits; plant commissioning support; solvent recycling schema design.
- Documentation & Compliance: Full regulatory and safety data (ISO, REACH, FDA, K-REACH, OHSAS) submitted with every order.
- Customer support: 24x7 multilingual hotline, remote & onsite troubleshooting, regular technical seminars.
Professional FAQ: N-Formyl Morpholine(NFM)
- Q: What is the typical material of construction required for NFM plant equipment?
A: Stainless steel 316L for all wetted parts is recommended due to anti-corrosive properties and compliance with ISO/ANSI standards. - Q: Can NFM be supplied in GMP grade?
A: Yes, Sincere Chemicals can supply NFM with additional GMP-compliant documentation and testing, suitable for API manufacturing. - Q: What packing types are available?
A: UN-approved steel drums, IBCs, ISO tanks with inert gas blanketing; custom packaging on request. - Q: Does NFM conform to ASTM or ISO testing standards?
A: Yes, product is tested per ASTM D1120, D1209, and ISO 758, 3104 for boiling point, color, density, and viscosity. - Q: What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
A: Standard MOQ is 200 kg (1 drum); sample orders (10–20kg) supported for R&D. - Q: What is the installation standard for NFM application plant skids?
A: Modular separation systems are supplied to API 682 and PED/ASME Section VIII design. - Q: What regulatory approvals are covered?
A: Full documentation provided for REACH, K-REACH, TSCA, FDA 21CFR, and ECHA-regulated markets.
Contact & Next Steps
- Online inquiry: www.sincerechemicals.com/n-formyl-morpholine-nfm.html
- 24h Hotline: +86-21-34112297
- Email: info@sincerechemicals.com
References & Further Reading
- S. Müller, "Recent advances in the application of N-Formyl Morpholine for liquid–liquid extraction", Chemical Engineering Journal, 2023.
Link - "N-Formyl Morpholine in Petrochemical Processing", ChemIndustry Forum Discussion, 2023
Link - K. Arora, "ESD and sustainability in NFM manufacturing," Journal of Cleaner Production, 2022.
Link - UOP LLC, "Extractive Distillation with NFM: Comparative Advantages", 2023, Proprietary White Paper.
Post time: يوليو . 28, 2025 06:01
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