Dimethylformamide (DMF) is a clear liquid, miscible with water and most organic solvents. It is a common solvent for chemical reactions. Pure dimethylformamide has a special odor, while industrial grade or deteriorated dimethylformamide has a fishy smell because it contains dimethylamine impurities. The name comes from the fact that it is a dimethyl substituent of formamide (amide of formic acid), with both methyl groups located on the N (nitrogen) atom. Dimethylformamide is a polar (hydrophilic) aprotic solvent with a high boiling point, which can promote the SN2 reaction mechanism. Dimethylformamide is produced from methyl formate and dimethylamine. DMF is unstable (especially at elevated temperatures) in the presence of strong bases such as sodium hydroxide or strong acids such as hydrochloric or sulfuric acid, and hydrolyzes to formic acid and dimethylamine.