Dimethylacetamide (DMA or DMAc), also known as acetic acid-dimethylamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide, or acetyldimethylamine, is an organic compound with the formula CH₃C(O)N(CH₃)₂.
It is a colourless to yellow, oily, polar, hygroscopic liquid with a faint amine-like odour. DMAc is miscible with water and most organic solvents, including alcohols, ethers, esters, ketones, chlorinated and aromatic compounds. However, it is poorly soluble in saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons. It is known for its good thermal and chemical stability.
What is Dimethylacetamide used for?
Dimethylacetamide is used in various organic reactions and industrial applications. Its uses include:
Reactor solvent or plasticiser in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals
Extraction agent for gases and oils
Solvent in the manufacture of:
Films
Acrylic fibres
X-ray contrast media
Polyimide resins
Polysulfones
Cellophane
Dimethylacetamide is used as reactor solvent or plasticiser in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Sources and Routes of Exposure
Dimethylacetamide is used in industrial settings only. Possible routes of exposure for workers include:
Inhalation
Skin or eye contact
Ingestion
It may enter the body through the skin.
Health Effects
Acute Effects
Ingestion
Swallowing may lead to chemical pneumonitis if aspirated into the lungs. Symptoms may include depression, lethargy, confusion, hallucinations, and gastrointestinal discomfort.
Eye Contact
DMAc may cause eye irritation and temporary redness of the conjunctiva.
Skin Contact
Skin contact may result in harmful systemic effects. It is not a strong skin irritant, but prolonged contact may cause discomfort. Open wounds should not be exposed.
Inhalation
Inhalation may cause headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, and, in large doses, hallucinations and disorientation.
Chronic Health Effects
Long-term exposure may lead to cumulative health effects, including
Liver damage (jaundice, hepatic dysfunction)
Kidney damage
Developmental disorders in offspring (teratogenic effects in animal studies)
Potential carcinogenic effects from metabolites
Workers exposed for extended periods showed abnormal liver function. Animal studies reported liver necrosis and developmental abnormalities.
Safety
First Aid Measures
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, keep the patient’s head lower than their hips to avoid aspiration.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin and hair with running water and soap.
Inhalation: Move the person to fresh air. Lay them down and keep them warm and rested.
Note to physician: Do not induce vomiting due to the risk of lung injury from aspiration.
Exposure Control & Personal Protection
Engineering Controls
Engineering controls are the most effective way to reduce exposure to chemicals like dimethylacetamide (DMAc).
Best practices include
Enclosing chemical processes.
Installing local exhaust ventilation where chemicals are used or released.
Isolating operations to limit worker exposure.
While personal protective equipment (PPE) provides protection, it should be considered a secondary control method. Highly toxic chemicals or situations with a risk of skin, eye, or breathing exposure may require extra safety measures.
Additional recommendations include:
Using automated systems to transfer DMAc from storage to processing containers.
Following good workplace practices to minimise risks.
Removing contaminated clothing immediately and washing skin that may have come into contact with DMAc.
Laundering contaminated work clothes separately.
Providing eye wash stations and emergency showers in areas where DMAc is used.
Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in areas where the chemical is handled.
Washing hands thoroughly before meals or breaks.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
When working with DMAc, the following PPE is recommended:
Clothing
Wear solvent-resistant gloves and protective clothing.
Butyl Rubber is recommended for gloves and protective wear.
Ensure PPE is clean and available daily.
Eye Protection
Wear splash-resistant safety goggles.
Use a face shield along with goggles when handling corrosive or highly irritating chemicals.
Avoid wearing contact lenses while working with DMAc.
Respiratory Protection
Respirators should only be used under a workplace safety program that includes training, fit testing, and medical checks, as outlined in OSHA 1910.134.
Recommended respiratory protection based on exposure levels:
If exposure is above 10 ppm, use an MSHA/NIOSH-approved supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece, operating in positive-pressure mode.
For extra protection, use with an auxiliary self-contained breathing apparatus.
If exposure may exceed 300 ppm (dangerous to life and health), use a self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece in positive-pressure mode.
Regulation
United States
OSHA: The Occupational Safety & Health Administration has set the following Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL) for dimethylacetamide:
ACGIH: The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists has established a Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for dimethylacetamide of 10 ppm, 36 mg/m3 TWA; Skin; Appendix A4 - Not Classifiable as a Human Carcinogen; BEI (TLV listed under N,N-Dimethylacetamide)
NIOSH: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has set a Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) for dimethylacetamide of 10 ppm, 35 mg/m3 TWA; Skin
As scientists who evolve with technology we treat innovation as a way of life, a life we dedicate to improvement and advancement of Safety, Health and Environment.
