N-Methylformamide (NMF), a formamide derivative, is widely employed as an organic solvent. NMF molecule contains C=O and N-H groups, so it can act as a proton donor and acceptor. Its antitumor activities in mice have been assessed. Optical-heterodyne-detected optical Kerr effect (OHD-OKE) spectroscopic evaluation of NMF has been reported. Due to its important physical properties such as high dielectric constant, high solubility, low conductivity and amphiprotic nature, it is suitable for use as a separation medium in capillary electrophoresis studies.