Acetonitrile

A chemical compound used as a solvent and in organic synthesis

Acetonitrile (systematically named ethanenitrile) is the chemical compound with the formula CH_CN. It is a colorless liquid that is the simplest organic nitrile. It is produced mainly as a byproduct of acrylonitrile manufacture. It is used as a polar aprotic solvent in organic synthesis and in the purification of butadiene.

Properties

Acetonitrile is a volatile, flammable, and colorless liquid with an aromatic odor. It is miscible with water and most organic solvents. It has a boiling point of 81.6 °C and a melting point of _45 °C. The compound is known for its ability to dissolve a wide range of ionic and non-polar compounds, making it a versatile solvent in the laboratory.

Production

Acetonitrile is produced mainly as a byproduct in the manufacture of acrylonitrile. The process involves the ammoxidation of propylene, which yields acrylonitrile, hydrogen cyanide, and acetonitrile. The acetonitrile is then separated and purified for use.

Applications

Acetonitrile is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry as a solvent for the synthesis of various drugs. It is also used in the production of pesticides, perfumes, and rubber products. In the laboratory, it is a common solvent for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) due to its low UV absorbance and miscibility with water.

Safety

Acetonitrile is classified as a hazardous chemical. It is flammable and can form explosive mixtures with air. Exposure to acetonitrile can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Ingestion or inhalation of large amounts can lead to cyanide poisoning, as acetonitrile is metabolized to hydrogen cyanide in the body.

Environmental Impact

Acetonitrile is considered to have low environmental persistence. It is readily biodegradable and does not bioaccumulate. However, its release into the environment should be minimized to prevent potential harm to aquatic life.

Related pages

• Acrylonitrile
• Nitrile
• Solvent
• High-performance liquid chromatography

Gallery

• Structure of acetonitrile
  Structure of acetonitrile