Solvents
REACH
Acetonitrile
CAS Number
75-05-8
EC Number
200-835-2
Abbreviation
ACN
What is Acetonitrile?
Acetonitrile (CAS 75-05-8), also known commercially as ACN or methyl cyanide, is a high-purity polar aprotic solvent.
Where is Acetonitrile used?
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing: reaction solvent and purification medium for active pharmaceutical ingredients, particularly peptide synthesis and chromatographic separation at scale
- Analytical chemistry: dominant solvent in HPLC and LC-MS workflows, primary mobile phase solvent in life science and biotech laboratories
- Industrial synthesis: solvent in the synthesis and formulation of pesticide intermediates
- Printing and packaging: solvent carrier in specialty ink and dye formulations
- Its low viscosity and miscibility with water support high-yield reaction conditions.
Good to know: In reversed-phase HPLC, consistent purity directly impacts analytical reproducibility and regulatory compliance.
Commercial specifications
- Clear liquid in drums, IBCs, and bulk tanker quantities
- HPLC-grade and LC-MS-grade specifications
- Gradient-grade variants meeting stringent UV absorbance cutoffs
Other Names (Synonyms)
methyl cyanide|ethyl nitrile|ACN|Methane, cyano-|Cyanure de methyl|Cyanomethane.
What are the physical properties of Acetonitrile?
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
How is Acetonitrile classified and handled safely? Learn More
Danger
GHS02· Flammable GHS07· Irritant GHS06· Toxic GHS08· Health Hazard GHS05· Corrosive
Hazard Statements
H225 Highly Flammable liquid and vapor
H302 Harmful if swallowed
H303 May be harmful if swallowed
H311 Toxic in contact with skin
Precautionary Statements
P203 Obtain, consult and follow expert instructions for use.
P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
P233 Keep container tightly closed.
P240 Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Acetonitrile?
HS Code 29269095
UN Number 1993
ADR Class 3
Packing Group III
WGK (Germany) 2