N-methylformamide

H312: Harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]

H360D ***: May damage the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity]

P203, P280, P302+P352, P317, P318, P321, P362+P364, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H312 (100%): Harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]

H319 (63.9%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H360 (94.1%): May damage fertility or the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity]

P203, P264+P265, P280, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P317, P318, P321, P337+P317, P362+P364, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 238 reports by companies from 13 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H360: May damage fertility or the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity]

H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]

H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

P203, P260, P264, P264+P265, P270, P280, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P308+P316, P317, P318, P319, P321, P337+P317, P362+P364, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H303: May be harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]

H320: Causes eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

P203, P260, P264, P264+P265, P270, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P308+P316, P317, P318, P319, P321, P337+P317, P362+P364, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H360D: May damage the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity]

Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.

Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Rest. Refer for medical attention .

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.

INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.

INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. Be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital if advised by a physician. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)

Fires involving this material can be controlled with a dry chemical, carbon dioxide or Halon extinguisher. A water spray may also be used. (NTP, 1992)

Use powder, carbon dioxide. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Collect leaking liquid in covered containers.

SRP: At the time of review, criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices.

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses in industry is conflicting. The benefit or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.

SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: If you should spill this chemical, use absorbent paper to pick up all liquid spill material. Seal the absorbent paper, as well as any of your clothing which may be contaminated, in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Wash any surfaces you may have contaminated with a soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned.

STORAGE PRECAUTIONS: You should store this material under ambient temperatures and keep away from oxidizers. (NTP, 1992)

Separated from oxidants.

9.9 [mg/m3]

130 [mg/m3]

790 [mg/m3]

1.0 [ppm]

1 ppm as TWA; (skin)

No indication can be given about the rate at which a harmful concentration of this substance in the air is reached on evaporation at 20 °C.

The substance is irritating to the eyes. The substance may cause effects on the liver. This may result in liver impairment.

RECOMMENDED RESPIRATOR: Where the neat test chemical is weighed and diluted, wear a NIOSH-approved half face respirator equipped with an organic vapor/acid gas cartridge (specific for organic vapors, HCl, acid gas and SO2) with a dust/mist filter. (NTP, 1992)

NO open flames.

Use ventilation.

Protective gloves.

Wear safety goggles.

Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.

N-methylformamide is a clear colorless liquid with a slight amine odor. (NTP, 1992)

Colorless liquid; [ICSC] Pale yellow or colorless liquid; [Alfa Aesar MSDS]

COLOURLESS VISCOUS LIQUID.

356 to 365 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)

180-185 °C

182.5 °C

-40 °F (NTP, 1992)

208 °F (NTP, 1992)

98 °C c.c.

greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)

Very soluble in acetone, ethanol.

Miscible in water

1000 mg/mL at 25 °C

Solubility in water: good

Water miscible

Ethanol miscible

Ether immiscible

1.011 at 66 °F (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink

0.9961 g/cu cm @ 25 °C

Density (at 20 °C): 1.003 g/cm³

0.9961 @25 °C

Relative vapor density (air = 1): 2.04

0.2 mmHg at 77 °F (NTP, 1992)

0.25 [mmHg]

0.253 mm Hg @ 25 °C

0.253 [mm Hg] @25 °C

log Kow = -0.97

Solution: A 25% aqueous solution is stable at room temperature for at least one week (NMR).

613 °F (NTP, 1992)

When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of /nitrogen oxides/.

1.99 mN/s/m @ 15 °C; 1.65 mN/s/m @ 25 °C

37.96 dynes/cm @ 30 °C; 35.02 dynes/cm @ 50 °C

Index of refraction: 1.4319 @ 20 °C/D

pKa = -0.04 @ 20 °C

Dielectric constant: 200.1 @ 15 °C; 182.4 @ 25 °C

Solvents -> Amides (<C10)

Water soluble.

Amides and Imides

N-METHYLFORMAMIDE is incompatible with benzene sulfonyl chloride. It is also incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, acids, bases and acid chlorides. It may react with chlorine, bromine, nitrates, nitric acid, triethylaluminum, potassium permanganate, chromic acid, chromic anhydride, chromium trioxide, borohydrides, hydrides, thionyl chloride, metallic sodium, phosphorus trioxide, diborane, (octafluoroisobutyrate + sodium nitrite) and (perchloryl fluoride + potassium methyl 4,4-dinitrobutyrate). (NTP, 1992)

VIOLENT REACTION WITH BENZENE SULFONYL CHLORIDE.

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion.

Redness. Pain.

Neurotoxin - Acute solvent syndrome

Occupational hepatotoxin - Secondary hepatotoxins: the potential for toxic effect in the occupational setting is based on cases of poisoning by human ingestion or animal experimentation.

Reproductive Toxin - A chemical that is toxic to the reproductive system, including defects in the progeny and injury to male or female reproductive function. Reproductive toxicity includes developmental effects. See Guidelines for Reproductive Toxicity Risk Assessment.

LC50 (rat) > 10,760 mg/m3/4hr

Rat(po): LD50 4000 mg/kg

Rat(po): LD50 3500 mg/kg

Mouse(po): LD50 2600 mg/kg

Mouse(ip): LD50 2300 mg/kg

Mouse(sc): LD50 3100 mg/kg

Mouse(iv): LD50 1580 mg/kg

Mouse(im): LD50 2700 mg/kg

Dog(iv): LD10 1262 mg/kg

LD50 BALB/C Mouse ip 2.3 g/kg

LD50 BALB/C Mouse iv 1.58 g/kg

LD50 BALB/C Mouse oral 2.6 g/kg

LD50 BALB/C Mouse im 2.7 g/kg

For more Non-Human Toxicity Values (Complete) data for N-METHYLFORMAMIDE (11 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

SIMULTANEOUS TREATMENT OF PREGNANT RATS AND MICE WITH SODIUM NITRITE (0.5-0.75% IN DRINKING WATER ON DAYS 11-15 OF GESTATION) AND N-METHYLUREA, N,N'-DIMETHYLUREA OR N,N,N-TRIMETHYLUREA (1000, 1000 OR 500 MG/KG IP, RESPECTIVELY, ON DAY 11 OR 13 OF GESTATION) PRODUCED THE SAME TERATOGENIC EFFECTS AS TREATMENT WITH THE NITROSYLATED HOMOLOGS OF THESE METHYLUREAS. TREATMENT OF RATS WITH SODIUM NITRITE & N-METHYLFORMAMIDE PRODUCED GREATER TERATOGENIC EFFECTS THAN TREATMENT WITH N-ALKYL CARBOXYLIC ACID AMIDE ALONE.

N-METHYLFORMAMIDE (1.8 G/KG IV) DECR HYPERTENSION INDUCED BY INDIRECTLY ACTING AMINES TYRAMINE & EPHEDRINE.

Admin of NMF on 4 consecutive days enhanced the sleeping time caused by pentobarbital in male rats to 565% of controls & reduced to a moderate extent the activities of rat hepatic cytochrome P-450 & cytochrome c reductase.

Like dimethylformamide NMF or its metabolites appear to interact with the metab of ethanol. Admin of 2 or 20 mmol/kg NMF to rats 3 or 18 hr before ethanol (both orally) induced an elevation in blood acetaldehyde levels. In the case of high doses of NMF admin 18 hr before alcohol, the level of ethanol in the blood was also raised significantly over controls.

The major potential of NMF is its ability to cause liver damage. NMF is also teratogenic & embryotoxic. It appears to be more toxic than its methyl homologue, dimethylformamide, or its N-desmethyl analogue, formamide.

As NMF is an investigational anticancer drug, a number of clinical trials have been conducted with this chemical. The first clinical evaluation was initiated in 1956. Five patients were treated with NMF; all but one patient received the drug orally. The dose ranged from 0.1-4 g/day for 2-36 days. All patients showed symptoms of toxicity- chiefly anorexia, nausea, & vomiting. Hepatic damage as measured by liver function tests was seen in all patients at total doses between 80-870 mg/kg. The liver damage appeared to be reversible with cessation of treatment. Autopsy exam of the liver of one patient showed irregular lobular disorganization, some large hepatocytes & areas of liver regeneration.

... /NMF was administered/ iv & orally to 19 patients at a starting dose of 300 mg/sq m/day for 5 days. Treatment cycles were repeated every 2 wk & doses were escalated to 1200 mg/sq m/day for 5 days. /In another study/ 35 patients /were treated/ with NMF iv at doses ranging from 125-3125 mg/sq m weekly every 6 wk. The principal toxic effects of NMF were general malaise, nausea, vomiting & anorexia. Biochemical disturbances included reversible elevation of serum levels of transaminases in several patients. The occurrence of raised serum enzyme levels did not seem to be related to the dose. Other toxic symptoms were peripheral neuropathy & alcohol intolerance in a few patients.

/N-methylformamide/ is an eye irritant.

... IN ANIMALS ... FORMAMIDE & MONOMETHYLFORMAMIDE HAVE BEEN SHOWN EXPERIMENTALLY TO BE TERATOGENS /ADMIN BY MOUTH OR PERCUTANEOUSLY/.

N-METHYLFORMAMIDE (1.8 G/KG IV) INCR RESP OUTPUT IN ANESTHETIZED DOGS, RESP RHYTHM, AND DIFFERENTIAL ARTERIAL PRESSURE.

ACUTE TOXICITY OF FORMAMIDES TO RATS AND MICE WAS IN INCR ORDER: FORMAMIDE, N-METHYLFORMAMIDE, N,N-DIMETHYLFORMAMIDE, N-ETHYLFORMAMIDE, AND N,N-DIETHYLFORMAMIDE. MICE WERE MORE SUSCEPTIBLE THAN RATS. THE COMPOUNDS INDUCED TESTICULAR LESIONS.

MONOMETHYLFORMAMIDE ADMIN BY STOMACH TUBE TO RABBITS FROM 6TH-18TH DAY PAST INSEMINATION SHOWED EMBRYOTOXIC & WEAKLY TERATOGENIC EFFECTS AT CONCN NOT TOXIC TO MOTHER. RABBIT WAS MORE SENSITIVE TO MONOMETHYLFORMAMIDE THAN OTHER SPECIES, WITH FETAL ANOMALIES INDUCED AT DOSES MATERNALLY ACCEPTABLE.

For more Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for N-METHYLFORMAMIDE (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

N-Methylformamide's production and use as an intermediate in the synthesis of pesticides, as an extraction solvent for aromatic hydrocarbons, and in the manufacture of methyl isocyanate may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 0.25 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates N-methylformamide will exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase N-methylformamide will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 57 hours. If released to soil, N-methylformamide is expected to have very high mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 7. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.0X10-8 atm-cu m/mole. N-Methylformamide has been shown to biodgrade by microorganisms obtained through soil enrichment. If released into water, N-methylformamide is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the estimated Koc. N-Methylformamide, present at 400 mg/l, reached 4%, 98%, and 100% of its theoretical BOD in 3 hrs, 3 days, and 7 days, respectively, using an industrial activated sludge inoculum and the Zahn-Wellens test; therefore, N-methylformamide may biodegrade in the aquatic environment. Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process based upon this compound's estimated Henry's Law constant. An estimated BCF of 3 suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Hydrolysis is not expected since amides hydrolyze very slowly at environmental conditions. Occupational exposure to N-methylformamide may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where N-methylformamide is produced or used. Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to N-methylformamide via inhalation of cigarette smoke. (SRC)

N-Methylformamide's production and use as an intermediate in the synthesis of pesticides; as an extraction solvent for aromatic hydrocarbons(1); and in the manufacture of methyl isocyanate(2); may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC). N-Methylformamide has been detected in cigarette smoke(3). N-Methylformamide may be also released to the atmosphere as a result of the photolysis of dimethylamine or trimethylamine(4), and may occur in water as a result of photolysis of the aquatic herbicide fluridone(5).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 7(SRC), determined from a log Kow of -0.97(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that N-methylformamide is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of N-methylformamide from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.0X10-8 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 0.25 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 1.0X10+6 mg/l(5). N- Methylformamide is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 0.25 mm Hg(4). N-methylformamide has been shown to biodgrade by microorgansism obtained through soil enrichment(6), suggesting that N-methylformamide may biodegrade in soil(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 7(SRC), determined from a log Kow of -0.97(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that N-methylformamide is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.0X10-8 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 0.25 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 1.0X10+6 mg/l(5). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from its log Kow(2) and a regression-derived equation(7), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). N-Methylformamide, present at 400 mg/l, reached 4%, 98%, and 100% of its theoretical BOD in 3 hrs, 3 days, and 7 days, respectively, using an industrial activated sludge inoculum and the Zahn-Wellens test(8). Using the BOD test, N-methylformamide achieved 2% of its theoretical BOD after 5 days(8), suggesting that N-methylformamide may biodegrade in the aquatic environment(SRC).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), N-methylformamide, which has a vapor pressure of 0.253 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere(SRC). Vapor-phase N-methylformamide is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 57 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 6.8X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) determined using a structure estimation method(3).

AEROBIC: N-Methylformamide, present at 400 mg/l, reached 4%, 98%, and 100% of its theoretical BOD in 3 hrs, 3 days, and 7 days, respectively, using an industrial activated sludge inoculum and the Zahn-Wellens test(1). Using the BOD test, N-methylformamide achieved 2% of its theoretical BOD after 5 days(1). N-Methylformamide has also been shown to biodegrade by microorgansism obtained through soil enrichment(2). Therefore, N-methylformamide may biodegrade in the environment(SRC).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of N-methylformamide with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 6.8X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 57 hours at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). N-Methylformamide is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment since amides hydrolyze very slowly under environmental conditions(2) nor to directly photolyze due to the lack of absorption in the environmental UV spectrum (>290 nm).

An estimated BCF of 3 was calculated for N-methylformamide(SRC), using a log Kow of -0.97(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).

N-Methylformamide's production and use as an intermediate in the synthesis of pesticides, as an extraction solvent for aromatic hydrocarbons, and in the manufacture of methyl isocyanate may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 0.25 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates N-methylformamide will exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase N-methylformamide will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 57 hours. If released to soil, N-methylformamide is expected to have very high mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 7. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.0X10-8 atm-cu m/mole. N-Methylformamide has been shown to biodgrade by microorganisms obtained through soil enrichment. If released into water, N-methylformamide is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the estimated Koc. N-Methylformamide, present at 400 mg/l, reached 4%, 98%, and 100% of its theoretical BOD in 3 hrs, 3 days, and 7 days, respectively, using an industrial activated sludge inoculum and the Zahn-Wellens test; therefore, N-methylformamide may biodegrade in the aquatic environment. Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process based upon this compound's estimated Henry's Law constant. An estimated BCF of 3 suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Hydrolysis is not expected since amides hydrolyze very slowly at environmental conditions. Occupational exposure to N-methylformamide may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where N-methylformamide is produced or used. Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to N-methylformamide via inhalation of cigarette smoke. (SRC)

N-Methylformamide's production and use as an intermediate in the synthesis of pesticides; as an extraction solvent for aromatic hydrocarbons(1); and in the manufacture of methyl isocyanate(2); may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC). N-Methylformamide has been detected in cigarette smoke(3). N-Methylformamide may be also released to the atmosphere as a result of the photolysis of dimethylamine or trimethylamine(4), and may occur in water as a result of photolysis of the aquatic herbicide fluridone(5).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 7(SRC), determined from a log Kow of -0.97(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that N-methylformamide is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of N-methylformamide from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.0X10-8 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 0.25 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 1.0X10+6 mg/l(5). N- Methylformamide is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 0.25 mm Hg(4). N-methylformamide has been shown to biodgrade by microorgansism obtained through soil enrichment(6), suggesting that N-methylformamide may biodegrade in soil(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 7(SRC), determined from a log Kow of -0.97(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that N-methylformamide is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.0X10-8 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 0.25 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 1.0X10+6 mg/l(5). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from its log Kow(2) and a regression-derived equation(7), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). N-Methylformamide, present at 400 mg/l, reached 4%, 98%, and 100% of its theoretical BOD in 3 hrs, 3 days, and 7 days, respectively, using an industrial activated sludge inoculum and the Zahn-Wellens test(8). Using the BOD test, N-methylformamide achieved 2% of its theoretical BOD after 5 days(8), suggesting that N-methylformamide may biodegrade in the aquatic environment(SRC).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), N-methylformamide, which has a vapor pressure of 0.253 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere(SRC). Vapor-phase N-methylformamide is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 57 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 6.8X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) determined using a structure estimation method(3).

AEROBIC: N-Methylformamide, present at 400 mg/l, reached 4%, 98%, and 100% of its theoretical BOD in 3 hrs, 3 days, and 7 days, respectively, using an industrial activated sludge inoculum and the Zahn-Wellens test(1). Using the BOD test, N-methylformamide achieved 2% of its theoretical BOD after 5 days(1). N-Methylformamide has also been shown to biodegrade by microorgansism obtained through soil enrichment(2). Therefore, N-methylformamide may biodegrade in the environment(SRC).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of N-methylformamide with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 6.8X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 57 hours at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). N-Methylformamide is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment since amides hydrolyze very slowly under environmental conditions(2) nor to directly photolyze due to the lack of absorption in the environmental UV spectrum (>290 nm).

An estimated BCF of 3 was calculated for N-methylformamide(SRC), using a log Kow of -0.97(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).

The Koc of N-methylformamide is estimated as 7(SRC), using a log Kow of -0.97(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this estimated Koc value suggests that N-methylformamide is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC).

The Henry's Law constant for N-methylformamide is estimated as 2.0X10-8 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure, 0.253 mm Hg(1), and water solubility, 1.0X10+6 mg/l(2). This Henry's Law constant indicates that N-methylformamide is expected to be essentially nonvolatile from water surfaces(3). N-Methylformamide is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(1).

N-Methylformamide has been detected at concns of 0.09 and 4.06 ug/g in two samples of mussel collected at the Oarai Coast in Ibaraki, Japan on July 31, 1985 and July 31, 1986, respectively(1).

N-Methylformamide has been detected in cigarette smoke(1).

Occupational exposure to N-methylformamide may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where N-methylformamide is produced or used(SRC). The concn of N-methylformamide in urine was 7.7 mg/l and 23.3 mg/l before shift and after shift, respectively, for workers exposed to N,N-dimethylformamide at a synthetic leather factory(1). N-Methylformamide is a metabolite of N,N-dimethylformamide(1).

The concn of N-methylformamide in urine was 7.7 mg/l and 23.3 mg/l before shift and after shift, respectively, for workers exposed to N,N-dimethylformamide at a synthetic leather factory(1). N-Methylformamide is a metabolite of N,N-dimethylformamide(1).

SRP: At the time of review, criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices.

Symbol: T; R: 61-21; S: 53-45; Note: E