Formamide is a simple organic compound with the chemical formula HCONH2. It is a colorless liquid that has a faint odor and is known for its ability to dissolve a wide range of substances, making it useful in various chemical processes. Formamide is often used as a solvent in laboratories and in the production of certain plastics and pharmaceuticals. In addition to its industrial applications, formamide is of interest in biochemistry because it can stabilize RNA and DNA structures. Its unique properties allow it to participate in reactions that are important for understanding the behavior of biological molecules, contributing to research in fields like genetics and molecular biology.