Abstract

Dimethylacetamide, DMAC, mol wt 87.12, CH₃CON (CH₃)₂, is a colorless, high boiling polar solvent. DMAC is a good solvent for a wide range of organic and inorganic compounds. The polar nature of DMAC enables it to act as a combined solvent and reaction catalyst, often producing high yields in short time periods. The chemical reactions of DMAC are typical of those of disubstituted amides. Dimethylacetamide can be produced by the reaction of acetic acid and dimethylamine, or by the reaction of acetic anhydride and dimethylamine. DMAC is capable of producing systemic injury, principally cumulative damage to the liver and kidney, when repeatedly inhaled or absorbed through the skin. The uses of dimethylacetamide are very similar to those for dimethylformamide.

DMAC is used where higher temperatures are needed for solution of resins as deactivation of chemical reaction.