Product Overview

N,N-Dimethyl Formamide 99.5% For Molecular Biology (CAS No. 68-12-2) is a polar aprotic amide solvent commonly abbreviated as DMF. Its strongly polar amide functionality gives it high solvating ability for many organic and relatively polar compounds while allowing it to remain miscible with water. The solvent's relatively low volatility compared with many common laboratory solvents is also useful when solutions must remain homogeneous during experimental handling. These characteristics make DMF particularly valuable for dissolving compounds that have limited compatibility with purely aqueous systems.

The Molecular Biology grade is intended for reagent and solution preparation in molecular and biochemical research where DMF is required as an organic solvent compatible with aqueous experimental systems. A well-established use is the preparation of solutions of hydrophobic chromogenic substrates such as X-Gal for molecular-biology procedures. DMF is also used to solubilise poorly water-soluble research reagents and substrates employed in biochemical assays, providing a convenient organic phase for introducing such compounds into otherwise aqueous experimental systems.

Typical Applications

• Preparation of X-Gal solutions for molecular-biology applications.
• Solubilisation of hydrophobic chromogenic substrates used in biological assays.
• Preparation of solutions of poorly water-soluble biochemical reagents and research compounds.
• Solubilisation of organic assay substrates before their addition to aqueous reaction systems.
• Preparation of organic-solvent stocks for selected cell and biochemical assay procedures.
• Reagent preparation in molecular and biochemical research where DMF is compatible with the experimental system.

Common Synonyms

• N,N-Dimethylformamide
• Dimethylformamide
• DMF
• Formamide, N,N-Dimethyl-
• N,N-Dimethylmethanamide

Storage Conditions

Store tightly closed and protect the solvent from excessive heat, contamination and unnecessary exposure to atmospheric moisture, since changes in solvent condition can affect the preparation of analytical and biological reagent solutions. Minimise prolonged exposure during dispensing and promptly reseal the container after use to limit evaporation and moisture uptake while maintaining the intended solvent characteristics.