Acetonitrile (Methyl Cyanide)
Other Names: Methyl cyanide, Cyanomethane
CAS Number: 75-05-8
Sum Formula: C₂H₃N
Molar Mass: 41.05 g/mol
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Acetonitrile is a polar aprotic solvent widely used in organic synthesis and chromatographic applications. It is known for its excellent solvating properties, particularly in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and is miscible with water and most organic solvents.
Chemical and Physical Properties
Density: 0.786 g/cm³ at 20 °C
Melting Point: −45 °C
Boiling Point: 81.6 °C
Solubility in Water: Miscible
Solubility in Other Solvents: Miscible with alcohols, ethers, chloroform, and acetone
Odor: Ether-like
Applications
Chromatography: Used as a mobile phase in HPLC due to low UV absorbance and high elution strength.
Organic Synthesis: Serves as a solvent and reagent in various chemical reactions.
Extraction Processes: Applied in the extraction and purification of organic compounds.
Battery Industry: Used in electrolyte formulations for lithium-ion batteries.
Safety
Signal Word: Danger
H225 (> 99.9%): Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]
H302 (99.8%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]
H312 (94.3%): Harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]
H319 (99.8%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]
H332 (95.1%): Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]
P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P317, P321, P330, P337+P317, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403+P235, and P501
Handling and Storage
Storage Conditions: Store in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from heat sources and incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers.
Handling Precautions: Avoid inhalation and contact with skin and eyes. Use with adequate ventilation and proper protective equipment.
