N-Methylformamide (NMF) Supplier: High Purity, Fast Ship?
A field note on N-Methylformamide in real manufacturing
I’ve toured enough solvent plants to know the difference between a lab curiosity and a shop-floor workhorse. And, to be honest, the quiet star in several lines I’ve seen lately is N-Methylformamide—a polar, amide solvent that keeps turning up in polymerization kettles, API blocks, and a few surprising battery-adjacent trials.
What’s moving the market
Two trends keep coming up in interviews: the push for tighter impurity profiles in pharma/agro intermediates, and solvent rationalization (fewer SKUs, broader utility). N-Methylformamide sits in that sweet spot—highly polar, miscible, and stable enough for long-cycle reactions. Many customers say it balances solvency power with manageable safety protocols, especially when moisture is controlled.
Product snapshot and specs
Short description: N-Methylformamide | Formula: HCONHCH3 | MW: 59.07 | CAS: 123-39-7
| Item | Typical Value (≈) |
|---|---|
| Name | N-Methylformamide |
| Purity (GC) | ≥ 99.5% |
| Water (Karl Fischer) | ≤ 0.20% |
| Density (20°C) | ≈ 1.01 g/cm³ |
| Refractive index n20D | ≈ 1.428 |
| Boiling point | ≈ 199 °C |
| Flash point (CC) | ≈ 96 °C |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless to pale-yellow liquid |
| Packaging | 200 kg drums; 1000 L IBC |
| Shelf life | 12 months unopened, dry and shaded |
Data above are typical; real-world use may vary. Consult SDS/GHS before handling.
How it’s made and qualified (field version)
N-Methylformamide typically comes from amidation of methylamine with a formyl source (e.g., formic acid or methyl formate) under controlled temperature and residence time. Plants I’ve visited run fractional distillation to tighten the water and byproduct profile.
Common QA methods: GC purity and residuals (internal SOP), water by Karl Fischer (ASTM E1064), color APHA (ASTM D1209), acidity/alkalinity (ASTM D1613), density (ASTM D4052), refractive index (ASTM D1218), and distillation range (ASTM D1078). Certificates: ISO 9001/14001 and REACH-related documentation are usually on file, sometimes with food-contact statements excluded by policy.
Where it earns its keep
- Pharma/agro intermediates: polar medium for condensations and formylations.
- Polymer processing: aids acrylonitrile-based polymer work and specialty fibers.
- Electronics/energy: specialty cleaning and binder prep trials (conditions-sensitive).
- Catalysis and peptide work: solvates salts well; moisture spec matters.
Advantages noted by users: strong solvency, thermal stability, and—surprisingly—predictable distillation behavior that helps with recycle loops.
Vendor snapshot and customization
| Vendor | Purity | Compliance | Lead Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sincere Chemicals (Shijiazhuang, China; Jinling Mansions, No.106-1 East Yuhua Rd.) | ≥99.5% (low-water ≤0.10% on request) | ISO 9001/14001; REACH-related docs | ≈ 2–3 weeks FOB | Custom water spec, drum/IBC, CoA batch traceability |
| EU Trader | ≥99.0% | REACH-registered stock | Stock or 1–2 weeks | Higher price, quick delivery |
| Local Distributor | ≥98.5% | Basic QC | 3–5 days | Small MOQ, limited customization |
Customization I’ve seen work: ultra-dry grade (≤0.05% water), tighter color limits (≤10 APHA), and nitrogen-blanketed filling. Simple tweaks, real yield gains.
Two quick case notes
- Pharma intermediate plant: moving to low-water N-Methylformamide trimmed a hydrolysis side-path; batch yield improved ≈2% and rework dropped.
- Adhesives line: consistent RI and density on N-Methylformamide stabilized viscosity, which, oddly enough, cut filter swaps by about a third.
Feedback is pretty consistent: “clean GC, predictable,” and “store it tight.” Simple, but true.
Handling, testing, and service life
Follow SDS/GHS. Use PPE, dry nitrogen blankets for high-spec work, stainless lines, and periodic verification: water (KF), color, and GC every intake lot. With sealed drums in a cool, dry warehouse, users report stable performance through the 12‑month window.
References
- PubChem Compound Summary: N-Methylformamide (CAS 123-39-7). National Center for Biotechnology Information.
- ECHA Substance Information: N-Methylformamide (EC No. 204-624-3).
- NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: Solvents—general handling and PPE guidance.
- ASTM Standards cited: E1064 (KF Water), D1209 (Color), D1613 (Acidity), D4052 (Density), D1218 (RI), D1078 (Distillation).
Post time: Oct . 06, 2025 13:15
