TECHNICAL PROCUREMENT INTELLIGENCE

N-Formylmorpholine (NFM)

Supply for Aromatic Extraction and Petrochemical Separation

N-Formylmorpholine (NFM) is a selective polar solvent used in liquid-extraction processes, particularly for separating aromatic hydrocarbons from aliphatic hydrocarbon streams. It is relevant to refinery, petrochemical, and chemical-processing operations where conventional distillation may not provide the required separation efficiency.

In aromatic–aliphatic mixtures, close boiling behavior and complex hydrocarbon composition can make separation technically demanding. NFM supports solvent-extraction processes by helping operators selectively recover aromatic compounds from suitable feed streams. For industrial buyers, the critical factors are product specification, solvent condition, packaging, documentation, delivery timing, and alignment with the extraction unit's operating requirements.

OGSCM supports NFM procurement through technical coordination, packaging planning, documentation readiness, and delivery support across GCC and MENA markets.

High Adsorption Performance
Consistent Quality
Reliable Supply
Global & Regional Logistics
N-Formyl morpholine (NFM)
Trusted by industries across GCC & MENA
Mining
Water Treatment
Oil & Gas
Chemical
Power
Manufacturing

NFM for Aromatic–Aliphatic Separation Operations

NFM is a morpholine-derived chemical used as a physical solvent in liquid-liquid extraction processes. Its principal industrial role is the selective separation of aromatic hydrocarbons from aliphatic hydrocarbons in refinery and petrochemical applications. In these operations, the objective is not simply to move a solvent from supplier to site. The extraction unit needs material that aligns with the required solvent specification, storage condition, batch-control process, and operating schedule, since a delayed delivery, unsuitable material condition, incomplete documentation, or poor packaging planning can affect extraction performance, solvent inventory, turnaround planning, and production continuity. NFM is also associated with selected solvent, gas-scrubbing, and formylation-related chemical applications. Suitability for any specific process must be verified against the buyer's process design and technical specification.

Technical Specifications

Property Value
Product Name N-Formylmorpholine
Common Abbreviation NFM
Chemical Formula C₅H₉NO₂
CAS Number 4394-85-8
Molecular Weight 115.132 g/mol
Chemical Type Morpholine-derived polar solvent
Appearance White solid
Melting Point 21°C
Boiling Point 239°C
Other Names Morpholine-4-carbaldehyde, 4-Morpholinecarboxaldehyde, N-Formamide Morpholine, Formylmorpholine
Primary Industrial Role Aromatic–aliphatic separation solvent
Packaging 200-litre drums or IBCs
Documentation COA and SDS/MSDS availability to be confirmed during RFQ

The actual required purity, water content, color, melting behavior, and application-specific specification should be confirmed before supply. Buyers should provide their extraction process requirements, required quantity, delivery location, and requested documentation in the RFQ.

Industrial Applications of NFM

Aromatic Hydrocarbon Extraction

NFM is primarily used as a selective solvent for separating aromatic hydrocarbons from aliphatic hydrocarbon streams. This type of separation can matter in refinery and petrochemical operations where conventional distillation is not sufficient to achieve the required selectivity. Its operational contribution is to support the recovery or concentration of aromatic compounds from suitable feed streams. The final process outcome depends on feed composition, extraction design, solvent quality, operating conditions, and solvent-recovery strategy.

Petrochemical and Refinery Processing

In petrochemical and refinery environments, NFM may be used in specialized separation systems involving aromatic and non-aromatic hydrocarbon components. Consistent supply supports planned operation of solvent-based separation processes. For these buyers, procurement should be coordinated with extraction-unit demand, solvent inventory, storage arrangements, and planned maintenance or turnaround schedules.

Chemical Processing Solvent

NFM may be used as a process solvent in selected chemical applications where its polarity and chemical characteristics suit the intended system. The exact application should be reviewed against the buyer's process design and formulation needs.

Formylation-Related Chemical Processes

NFM may be used in specialized chemical processes related to formylation or as an intermediate. Suitability is process-specific and should be confirmed through the buyer's technical requirements and product specification.

Specialized Gas-Scrubbing Applications

NFM may be evaluated for specialized gas-scrubbing or process-treatment applications. However, gas-treatment suitability should not be assumed. Buyers should define the gas composition, process objective, operating conditions, and required solvent characteristics before procurement.

Operational Positioning: Why NFM Supply Requires Coordination

NFM is normally procured for a defined industrial process rather than as a general-purpose commodity. In solvent-extraction operations, solvent quality and continuity can affect separation efficiency, recovery planning, process stability, and maintenance schedules. Important procurement considerations include:
  • Intended application and process compatibility
  • Required product purity and water-content limits
  • Solvent inventory and consumption planning
  • Handling conditions around the melting point
  • Drum, IBC, or bulk-storage requirements
  • Compatibility of tanks, pumps, seals, and transfer systems
  • COA, SDS/MSDS, and batch-traceability needs
  • Delivery scheduling around extraction-unit operation or turnaround activity
Because the material has a melting point of approximately 21°C, storage and transport conditions should be considered carefully. Buyers should assess whether temperature conditions could affect product handling, transfer, or material preparation at the receiving site.

Packaging, Logistics and Delivery Planning

NFM can be supplied in:

  • 200-litre drums
  • IBCs

The appropriate packaging format depends on the required volume, storage arrangement, internal transfer method, and extraction-unit consumption pattern. Drum supply may suit controlled, staged use, while IBC supply can support larger-volume requirements where suitable material-handling systems are available.

Before shipment, buyers should assess:

  • Storage temperature and handling requirements
  • Warehouse capacity and drum or IBC handling equipment
  • Product-transfer method and equipment compatibility
  • Receiving-site inspection procedures
  • Required batch documentation
  • Delivery schedule and solvent inventory levels
  • Cross-border transport and destination requirements

OGSCM supports packaging and logistics coordination so that NFM is delivered in a format consistent with the receiving site's operational conditions.

NFM Procurement Across GCC and MENA

Refinery and petrochemical operations across GCC and MENA may require specialized solvents such as NFM for aromatic extraction, chemical processing, and separation applications. These processes often depend on planned solvent availability, defined technical specifications, and coordinated logistics.

OGSCM supports NFM procurement through:

  • Product and application alignment
  • Drum and IBC packaging coordination
  • Quantity and delivery planning
  • COA and SDS/MSDS documentation support
  • Batch-related information where required
  • Shipment and commercial-document preparation
  • Cross-border delivery coordination
  • Communication between procurement, process, logistics, and site teams

Any import, customs, environmental, or transport requirement should be reviewed according to the confirmed shipment route and intended end use.

Quality Verification and Documentation

For NFM procurement, documentation supports technical evaluation, safe receiving, and batch traceability. Depending on the agreed supply scope, buyers may request:

  • Certificate of Analysis (COA)
  • Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS)
  • Batch or lot identification
  • Product-specification confirmation
  • Packing list
  • Commercial invoice
  • Certificate of origin, where required
  • Shipment documents appropriate to the agreed delivery terms

OGSCM does not assume a specific purity, process approval, extraction-unit compatibility, inspection result, or certification unless it is confirmed for the offered material.

Safety, Storage and Environmental Considerations

NFM should be handled in accordance with the current SDS/MSDS and the receiving site's chemical-management procedures. As a process solvent, it should be protected from uncontrolled release, contamination, and unsuitable storage conditions.

Key operational considerations include:

  • Use appropriate gloves, eye protection, and protective clothing.
  • Maintain suitable ventilation during handling and transfer.
  • Keep drums or IBCs closed when not in use.
  • Store in compatible containers and protect against unsuitable heat exposure.
  • Consider the material's melting point when planning transport and storage.
  • Use compatible pumps, hoses, valves, seals, and transfer equipment.
  • Prevent release to soil, drains, surface water, or groundwater.
  • Follow approved site procedures for spill response, waste treatment, and disposal.

Improper disposal or leakage can affect water and soil systems. NFM-containing waste should be managed according to the SDS/MSDS, applicable environmental requirements, and site-specific waste procedures.

Related Procurement Requirements

NFM procurement may be associated with wider industrial supply requirements, including:

  • Aromatic-extraction solvents
  • Refinery and petrochemical process chemicals
  • Hydrocarbon separation materials
  • Chemical-processing solvents
  • Drum and IBC liquid-chemical supply
  • Industrial documentation and export coordination
  • Cross-border chemical logistics
  • Procurement and supply-chain support

Why Choose OGSCM?

Application-Driven Solutions

We match the right grade to your process needs.

Reliable Supply Chain

On-time delivery with strong regional & global logistics.

Quality You Can Trust

Strict quality control and batch consistency.

Expert Support

Technical & commercial support throughout your procurement journey.

Regional Presence

Serving industries across GCC and MENA with local expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Need Help Selecting the Right NFM?

Our team is ready to help you choose
the right grade for your application.

Contact Our Experts