Dimethylacetamide (DMAc or DMA) is the organic compound with the formula CH3C(O)N(CH3)2. This colorless, water-miscible, high-boiling liquid is commonly used as a polar solvent in organic synthesis. DMA is miscible with most other solvents, although it is poorly soluble in aliphatichydrocarbons.
Synthesis and production
DMA is prepared commercially by the reaction of dimethylamine with acetic anhydride or acetic acid. Dehydration of the salt of dimethylamine and acetic acid also furnishes this compound:[5]
The separation and purification of the product is carried out by multistage distillation in rectification columns. DMA is obtained with essentially quantitive (99%) yield referred to methyl acetate.[6]
Reactions and applications
The chemical reactions of dimethylacetamide are typical of N,N-disubstituted amides. Hydrolysis of the acyl-N bond occurs in the presence of acids:
Dimethylacetamide may be incompatible with polycarbonate or ABS. Devices (e.g. syringes) that contain polycarbonate or ABS can dissolve when coming into contact with dimethylacetamide.[14]
Regulation
In 2011, dimethylacetamide was identified in the EU as a Substance of very high concern (SVHC) because of its reproductive toxicity.[15] In 2014, the European Commission has started an investigation to restrict the use of dimethylacetamide in the EU according to REACH.[16]
In 2015, the CNESST (Committee on Standards, Equity, Health and Safety at Work in Quebec) has adopted a tightened classification of dimethylacetamide:[17]
^Munro, D. D.; Stoughton, R. B. (1965). "Dimethylacetamide (DMAC) and Dimethylformamide (DMFA). Effect on Percutaneous Absorption". Archives of Dermatology. 92 (5): 585–586. doi:10.1001/archderm.1965.01600170101020. PMID5844405.
^Iloukhani, H., K. Khanlarzadeh. "Densities, viscosities, and refractive indices for binary and ternary mixtures of N, N-dimethylacetamide (1)+ 2-methylbutan-2-ol (2)+ ethyl acetate (3) at 298.15 K for m liquid region and at ambient pressure". Journal of Chemical & Engineering Data, 51.4 (2006): 1226–1231. doi:10.1021/je050538q.
^Baum, S. L.; Suruda, A. J. (1997). "Toxic Hepatitis from Dimethylacetamide". International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health. 3 (1): 1–4. doi:10.1179/oeh.1997.3.1.1. PMID9891094.
^Weiss, A. J.; Jackson, L. G.; Carabasi, R. A.; Mancall, E. L.; White, J. C. (1962). "A Phase I Study of Dimethylacetamide". Cancer Chemotherapy Reports. 16 (February 1962): 477–485. PMID14005853.