Acetonitrile
CAS 75-05-8
EC 200-835-2
Formula C2H3N
MW 41.05 g/mol
Catalysts & Catalyst Precursors Biotechnology & Life SciencesPrinting & PackagingPharmaceuticals & HealthcareAgriculture & Feed CatalysisSolvent & CarrierPreservation & Biocide
Description
Acetonitrile (CAS 75-05-8, EC 200-835-2, formula C2H3N) is a low-molecular-weight nitrile solvent commonly referred to as MeCN or ethanenitrile. It carries no assigned E-code and is classified under HS code 29269095. It is commercially available under several synonyms including cyanomethane and ethyl nitrile.
In pharmaceutical HPLC and chromatographic purification, acetonitrile serves as a polar aprotic mobile phase that elutes compounds with high resolution due to its low UV absorbance and miscibility with water. It also functions as a reaction solvent in peptide synthesis and as an antimicrobial agent in certain agricultural formulations, where its nitrile group contributes to biocidal activity.
Acetonitrile is supplied in HPLC, gradient, and technical grades, with pharmaceutical-grade material conforming to Ph.Eur. and USP monographs. The substance is registered under REACH and subject to CLP classification as a flammable liquid. Packaging typically ranges from 1-litre bottles to 200-litre drums depending on grade and application.
In pharmaceutical HPLC and chromatographic purification, acetonitrile serves as a polar aprotic mobile phase that elutes compounds with high resolution due to its low UV absorbance and miscibility with water. It also functions as a reaction solvent in peptide synthesis and as an antimicrobial agent in certain agricultural formulations, where its nitrile group contributes to biocidal activity.
Acetonitrile is supplied in HPLC, gradient, and technical grades, with pharmaceutical-grade material conforming to Ph.Eur. and USP monographs. The substance is registered under REACH and subject to CLP classification as a flammable liquid. Packaging typically ranges from 1-litre bottles to 200-litre drums depending on grade and application.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | -45 °C |
| Boiling Point | 81.6 °C @ Press: 760 Torr |
| Density | 0.78745 g/cm³ @ Temp: 15 °C |
| Flash Point | 48 °F |
| Appearance | Acetonitrile is an extremely flammable, colorless liquid with an ethereal odor |
| Color | <10(APHA) |
| Odor | Aromatic ether-like odor detectable at 40 ppm |
| Form | liquid |
| Water Solubility | miscible |
| Vapor Pressure | 72.8 mm Hg ( 20 °C) |
| Refractive Index | n 20/D 1.344(lit.) |
| Log P | -0.340 |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Danger GHS02 GHS07 GHS06 GHS08 GHS05
H
H225H302H303H311H312H318H319H332H341H370H373
P
P203P210P233P240P241P242P243P260P261P262P264P270P271P280P316P317P318P319P321P330P405P501P264+P265P301+P317P302+P352P304+P340P308+P316P337+P317P361+P364P362+P364P370+P378P403+P235P303+P361+P353P305+P351+P338P305+P354+P338
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29269095 |
| UN Number | 1993 |
| ADR Class | 3 |
| Packing Group | III |
| WGK (Germany) | 2 |
Other Names
cyanomethaneethanenitrileACNMeCNEthyl nitrileMethyl cyanideMethane, cyano-
Related Products
Raw Materials
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