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Why Acetonitrile (CAS 75-05-8) Is Used as a Mobile Phase in HPLC

Apr 20, 2026 Leave a message

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

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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Gneebio Product Packaging

 

Packaging Type Net Weight
Steel Drum 250 kg
IBC Tank 1250 kg
ISO Tank Bulk shipment

 

Acetonitrile CAS 75-05-8

 

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