Applications

• Polar aprotic solvent for organic synthesis and electrochemistry.
• Solvent in the pharmaceutical industry for extracting, purifying, and synthesizing drugs.
• Mobile phase in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for analytical and preparative separations.
• Component in lithium-ion batteries for enhancing performance and safety.
• Denaturant in ethanol to render it unfit for human consumption.
• Solvent for DNA synthesis in molecular biology.
• Used as a starting material for the production of other chemicals, such as acrylic fibres, perfumes, and agrochemicals.
• Can be used as a solvent for some inorganic salts and metal complexes in chemistry and materials science.

It's important to note that acetonitrile is a toxic substance and should be handled with care. Proper safety precautions should be taken when using acetonitrile, including using it in a well-ventilated area with appropriate protective equipment.

General

Acetonitrile is a colourless, highly flammable liquid with a mildly sweet odour. It is a polar aprotic solvent with the chemical formula CH3CN, and is commonly used in organic synthesis, electrochemistry, and as a solvent in the pharmaceutical industry.

Acetonitrile is miscible with water and a wide range of organic solvents, making it a versatile solvent for many applications. It has a lower boiling point than water and is relatively volatile, which makes it useful for separating and purifying chemical compounds. Acetonitrile is also used as a mobile phase in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for analytical and preparative separations.

In addition to its uses in chemical synthesis and analysis, acetonitrile is also used as a component in lithium-ion batteries, as a denaturant in ethanol, and as a solvent for DNA synthesis. These applications take advantage of acetonitrile's unique properties as a highly polar solvent that can dissolve a wide range of organic and inorganic compounds.

It is important to handle acetonitrile with care, as it is toxic and can be harmful if ingested or inhaled. Proper safety precautions should be taken when using acetonitrile, including using it in a well-ventilated area with appropriate protective equipment. Those who work with acetonitrile should also be aware of its potential environmental impact and take steps to minimize its release into the environment.

Hazards

Packing Group: 2

Hazard Phrases: Highly flammable liquid and vapour. Causes serious eye irritation.

Prec Phrases: Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. In case of fire: Use Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.