Formamide, also known as methanamide, is an amide derived from formic acid. It is a clear liquid which is miscible with water and has an ammonia-like odor. It is used primarily for manufacturing sulfa drugs and synthesizing vitamins and as a softener for paper and fiber. In its pure form, it dissolves many ionic compounds that are insoluble in water, so it is also used as a solvent.

Formamide is also a constituent of cryoprotectant vitrification mixtures used for cryopreservation of tissues and organs.

Formamide is also used as an RNA stabiliser in gel electrophoresis by deionizing RNA. In capillary electrophoresis, it is used for stabilizing (single) strands of denatured DNA.

Another use is to add it in sol-gel solutions in order to avoid cracking during sintering.

Formamide, in its pure state, has been used as an alternative solvent for the electrostatic self-assembly of polymer nanofilms.

Formamide will begin to partially decompose into carbon monoxide and ammonia at 180°C. When heated strongly, formamide decomposes to hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and water vapor.

Production

In the lab and in the past, formic acid was reacted with ammonia to produce ammonium formate, which can then be turned into formamide by heating:

HCOOH + NH₃ → HCOONH₄

HCOONH₄ → HCONH₂ + H₂O

Today's industrial method is based on aminolysis of methyl formate:

HCOOCH₃ + NH₃ → HCONH₂ + CH₃OH

Health Information

Formamide is highly corrosive in contact with skin or eyes and may be deadly if ingested. Inhalation of large amounts of Formamide vapor may require medical attention. Formamide should never be handled without proper safety attire including gloves and goggles.

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