Dimethylformamide is an important and recyclable solvent used in the manufacture of acrylic fibers and in polyurethane textile coatings.

It can also be used as:

• Selective solvent for acetylene, butadiene, acid gases, inorganic salts, and certain constituents of petroleum.
• Solvent and reaction medium for the manufacture of polyacrylonitrile, polyurethanes, polyvinyl resins, dyes, and pharmaceuticals.
• Intermediate in the synthesis of acetals, aldehydes, esters, formamidines, peptides, and nitriles.