Is N,N-Dimethylformamide (DMF) a polar solvent? How toxic is dimethylformamide?

N,N-Dimethylformamide (DMF) is an excellent polar solvent for various classes of compounds, the dissolution being favoured by interactions of the substrate with DMF. In the case of metallic compounds, DMF can be, furthermore, an effective ligand1 which can even substitute coordinated PPh its O-atom acting as donor.Besides, DMF can react as either an electrophilic or a nucleophilic agent, and, in addition, can be the source of various key intermediates mediating reactions. Acute (short-term) exposure to dimethylformamide has been observed to damage the liver in animals and in humans. Symptoms of acute exposure in humans include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, alcohol intolerance, and rashes. Chronic (long-term) occupational exposure to dimethylformamide by inhalation has resulted in effects on the liver and digestive disturbances in workers.

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