Abstract

Form- amide is a hygroscopic liquid, freely miscible with water and lower alcohols but virtually insoluble in all aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. It decomposes thermally either to ammonia and carbon monoxide or to hydrocyanic acid and water. Owing to its bifunctionality, it is a highly reactive molecule, but it became industrially important only after the development of high pressure production technology. There are only three producers of formamide, which mainly is manufactured either by direct synthesis from carbon monoxide and ammonia or, more importantly, in a two-stage process by reaction of methyl formate with ammonia. It is used as an intermediate by the chemical industry, eg, for producing hydrocyanic acid, heterocyclic compounds, pharmaceuticals, crop protection agents, and pesticides. It is also used as a solvent for resins and plasticizers. Formamide is neither explosive nor spontaneously flammable in air. It exhibits no particular acute toxicity. Precautions include avoidance of prolonged inhalation of vapors or contact of the liquid with skin or eyes.