Formamide

Agent Name
Formamide
CAS Number
75-12-7
Formula
C-H3-N-O
Major Category
Solvents
Formamide formula graphical representation
Synonyms
Amid kyseliny mravenci [Czech]; Carbamaldehyde; Formamide; Formic acid, amide; Formimidic acid; Methanamide; Methanoic acid, amide; [ChemIDplus] UN8027
Category
Amides (<C10)
Description
Colorless, oily liquid. [Note: A solid below 37 degrees F.]; [NIOSH]
Sources/Uses
Used as a chemical intermediate and ionizing solvent; also used as a softener for glues, gums, and paper; [ACGIH]
Comments
Subchronic studies of rats exposed at 1500 ppm show decreased weight gain, kidney injury, and suppression of platelets and lymphocytes. By analogy with dimethylformamide, formamide is a suspected liver toxin. "No signs of toxicity were detected in rats exposed 6 hours/day for 10 days at approximately 100 ppm of formamide vapor (equivalent to air saturated with formamide at room temperature)." [ACGIH] A skin and eye irritant; Inhalation of high concentrations may cause CNS effects; [ICSC]
Biomedical References

Exposure Assessment

Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Yes
TLV (ACGIH)
1 ppm
Vapor Pressure
0.061 mm Hg
Explanatory Notes
Flash point = 310 deg F; VP from HSDB;
NFPA
must be preheated

Adverse Effects

Neurotoxin
Acute solvent syndrome
Hepatotoxin
Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion
ACGIH Carcinogen
Confirmed Animal

Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: