N,N-Dimethylacetamide, reagent, 99.5+%

Dimethylacetamide (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 aliphatic hydrocarbons.

DMA is prepared by the reaction of dimethylamine with acetic anhydride and esters of acetic acid.

The chemical reactions of dimethylacetamide are typical of N,N- disubstituted amides. It will hydrolyze in the presence of acids. It is however resistant to bases. For this reason DMA is useful solvent for reactions involving strong bases such as sodium hydroxide.

Dimethylacetamide is commonly used as a solvent for fibers (e.g., polyacrylonitrile, spandex) or in the adhesive industry. It is also employed in the production of pharmaceuticals and plasticizers as a reaction medium.