Acetonitrile (CAS No.75-05-8), also known as methyl cyanide or cyanomethane, is a colorless, volatile organic chemical solvent with a faint ethereal odor. As the simplest organic nitrile, it plays a critical role in various industrial, pharmaceutical, and analytical applications due to its unique chemical and physical properties.
In this article, I will share the formula, properties, preparation, and uses of acetonitrile (ACN Solvent) .
Acetonitrile Formula
Acetonitrile (CAS No. 75 05 8) is a hydrocyanic acid with the molecular formula CH₃CN. Based on its molecular formula, acetonitrile is classified as a nitrile due to the presence of a cyano group. The molecular weight of acetonitrile is 41.05 g/mol.
Structure:
Acetonitrile CH3CN consists of two carbon atoms, three hydrogen atoms, and one nitrogen atom. The nitrile group (-CN) is attached to the methyl group (-CH₃), giving it unique reactivity and polarity.
- The structural formula of acetonitrile is shown below:
Acetonitrile (CAS No.75 05 8) Properties:
| Chemical Name | Acetonitrile |
| CAS Number | 75-05-8 |
| Molecular Formula | C₂H₃N |
| Molecular Weight | 41.05 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Odor | Ether-like odor |
| Density | 0.786 g/cm³ (20°C) |
| Boiling Point | 81.6 °C |
| Melting Point | -45.7 °C |
| Flash Point | 2 °C |
| Autoignition Temperature | 524 °C |
| Vapor Pressure | 9.7 kPa (25°C) |
| Refractive Index | 1.344 (20°C) |
| Dielectric Constant | ~37.5 (25°C) |
| Viscosity | 0.37 cP (25°C) |
| Solubility in Water | Miscible |
| Polarity | Polar aprotic solvent |
| Log P (Octanol/Water) | -0.34 |
| Evaporation Rate | Fast |
| Explosion Limits | 4.4% – 16% (v/v) |
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Preparation of Acetonitrile chemical
Acetonitrile chemical liquid is formed as a byproduct during the production of acrylonitrile. Acetonitrile can also be prepared by hydrogenating a carbon monoxide mixture and dehydrating acetamide and ammonia.
Methyl Cyanide MeCN is also prepared from acetic acid and ammonia:
- Step 1: Neutralize acetic acid with ammonia to produce ammonium acetate.
- Step 2: Mix an aqueous solution of ammonium acetate with gaseous ammonia. Preheat the solution and put the mixture in a fixed bed reactor filled with aluminium oxide. This reaction yields acetonitrile mixed with gasses, and the gas can be removed by continuous refining to produce acetonitrile.
organic solvent Acetonitrile Uses
- Chromatography (HPLC): Acetonitrile ACN is used as a mobile phase due to its UV transparency, low viscosity, and high elution strength.
- Pharmaceutical Industry: Used in the synthesis of vitamin B, antibiotics, and other Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).
- Chemical Synthesis: Acetonitrile (CAS No.75 05 8) serves as a two-carbon building block in organic chemistry.
- Extraction Solvent: Employed in the purification of hydrocarbons (butadiene) and extraction of fatty acids from animal/vegetable oils.
- Batteries: Acetonitrile liquid is used as a non-aqueous solvent in lithium-ion battery electrolytes due to its high dielectric constant.
- Other: Used in manufacturing pesticides, perfumes, synthetic fibers, and in photolithography.
Frequently Asked Questions
CAS 75-05-8 Acetonitrile AC possesses properties such as low viscosity, high elution power, low UV absorption, and good compatibility with water, making it a common choice for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Acetonitrile can neither be classified as an acid nor as a base.
Yes, Acetonitrile (ACN) is fully miscible with water at any ratio under normal ambient conditions.
Yes, ACN (CAS 75-05-8) is a highly flammable liquid with a flash point of about 2°C. It should be stored away from heat, sparks, and open flames.
Acetonitrile solvent should be stored:
- In a cool, well-ventilated area
- Away from oxidizing agents and ignition sources
- In tightly sealed containers
- According to hazardous chemical regulations (UN1648)
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