DMF basic information

N,N-Dimethylformamide, also known as DMF, is an organic compound and solvent for various hydrophobic organic compounds, widely used in production of acrylic fibers and plastics. Meanwhile, the hazards of DMF have been examined and it was identified as a Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) according to Article 57 (c) as it is classified in Annex VI, part 3, Table 3.1 of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 as toxic for reproduction¹. Under ICH Harmonised Guideline For Residual Solvents ICH Q3C, DMF is classified as a Class 2 solvent in pharmaceutical products with recommended permissible daily exposure (PDE) level as 8.8 mg/day and concentration limit as 880 ppm².

However, DMF has been playing the role as an essential solvent in the current manufacturing process of CHAPS (CAS No.: 75621-03-3), a non-denaturing, zwitterionic detergent for membrane proteins separation and purification.

HOPAX is expecting to start to supply its DMF-free CHAPS

With raising global chemical safety awareness from the markets, more and more clients are now looking for DMF-free CHAPS for their applications. As the leading CHAPS manufacturer in the markets, HOPAX has been investing its R&D resources to search for the alternative solutions to remove DMF from its CHAPS manufacturing process and up to now, the results came out prospectively. If things move smoothly, HOPAX is expecting to start to supply its DMF-free CHAPS in the beginning of 2021!

Further reading:Why use CHAPS?

References:

¹ Draft background document for N,N-Dimethylformamide (DMF)

² IMPURITIES: GUIDELINE FOR RESIDUAL SOLVENTS Q3C(R6), Current Step 4 version, dated October 20, 2016