why acetonitrile (CAS 75-05-8) is used in HPLC
Acetonitrile (ACN) is widely used as a mobile phase in High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) due to its unique chemical properties. Its low viscosity ensures faster flow rates, reducing backpressure in the system. ACN also has excellent UV transparency, making it ideal for UV-detector compatibility.
Compared to methanol (another common HPLC solvent), acetonitrile offers better peak resolution and shorter run times. This efficiency stems from its balanced polarity and elution strength. Below is a comparison of key properties:
| Parameter | Acetonitrile (ACN) | Methanol (MeOH) |
|---|---|---|
| Viscosity & Column Pressure | Lower viscosity → lower backpressure | Higher viscosity → higher backpressure |
| Elution Strength | Stronger → shorter retention times | Weaker → longer retention times |
| UV Cutoff | ~190 nm (good for low‑UV detection) | ~210 nm (higher background at short UV) |
| Selectivity | Polar aprotic → less H‑bonding | Polar protic → more H‑bonding |
| Heat of Mixing with Water | Absorbs heat (cools solution) | Releases heat (warms solution) |
| Cost | More expensive | Cheaper & widely available |
| Buffer Compatibility | May precipitate salts at high organic | Better salt solubility |
Key Properties of acetonitrile CH3CN
| Properties of Acetonitrile ACN CAS 75-05-8 | |
| CAS Number | 75-05-8 |
| Molecular Formula | CH3CN |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Odor | Sweet, ether-like |
| Purity | 99.9% min |
| Water Content | 0.05% max |
| Acidity (as acetic acid) | 0.01% max |
| Color (APHA) | 10 max |
| Boiling Point | 81.6°C |
| Melting Point | -45.7°C |
| Density (20°C) | 0.786 g/cm³ |
| Flash Point | 2°C |
| Solubility in Water | Miscible |
| Vapor Pressure | 97.6 mmHg at 20°C |

Learn more about acetonitrile solvent, contact us.
Advantages of Acetonitrile Over Alternative Solvents
Lower viscosity
Less resistance in the HPLC system, reduces column backpressure and extends service life of instruments and columns.
Superior UV performance
Low UV cutoff value, low background absorption at short wavelengths, suitable for UV and gradient detection.
Stronger elution capacity
Higher elution strength shortens retention time, improves analysis efficiency for most compounds.
Better separation selectivity
Weak hydrogen bonding effect, improves peak symmetry, reduces peak tailing and enhances resolution.
Stable mixing property
Fully miscible with water and common buffer solutions, stable mobile phase with fewer salt precipitation issues.
High chemical stability
Low chemical reactivity, high solvent purity, ensures repeatable and reliable HPLC test results.
Acetonitrile HPLC Grade CAS 75-05-8
Safety information
Storage and Handling:
Storage: Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Keep away from heat, sparks and flame. Flammables area. Incompatible Materials. Strong oxidizing agents. Strong acids. Reducing Agent.
Handling: Wear personal protective equipment/face protection. Make sure there is enough air circulation. Stay away from open flames, hot surfaces and things that can catch fire. Be careful of static electricity. Do not get it in your eyes, on your skin or on your clothes. Don't breathe in mist, vapours or sprays. Make sure you use tools that don't spark and equipment that is explosion-proof. Only use tools that do not spark. To stop vapours being ignited by static electricity, all metal parts of the equipment must be grounded.
about us
As a leading manufacturer and exporter of chemical solvent, TIANJIN GNEE BIOTECH CO., LTD. provides high-quality industrial chemicals. We supply to customers across the chemical, pharmaceutical, and materials industries, ensuring consistent quality, reliable logistics, and professional technical support.
Our chemical products hold international certifications (REACH, ISO, FMQS, HALAL) for global quality recognitio. We have warehouses in coreports such as Qingdao, Tianiin, and Shanghai, with a 15-day express delivery service.
Other Hot-Selling Products
| Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) | CAS 67-68-5 |
| Dichloromethane / Methylene Chloride | CAS 75-09-2 |
| Glacial Acetic Acid / Ethanoic Acid | CAS 64-19-7 |
| Ethyl Acetate / Ethyl Ethanoate | CAS 141-78-6 |
| Ethylene Glycol / Monoethylene Glycol (MEG) | CAS 107-21-1 |
| Trichloroethylene | CAS 79-01-6 |
| Cyclohexanone | CAS 108-94-1 |
Gneebio Product Packaging
| Packaging Type | Net Weight |
|---|---|
| Steel Drum | 250 kg |
| IBC Tank | 1250 kg |
| ISO Tank | Bulk shipment |

Customer Visit

