Acetonitrile

Description

Acetonitrile · CAS 75-05-8 · C2H3N. UNII Z072SB282N. Boiling Point: 178.9 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992); Boiling Point: 81.6 °C at 760 mm Hg; Boiling Point: 82 °C.

Identification

CAS Registry Number	75-05-8
PubChem CID	6342
Molecular formula	C2H3N
IUPAC name	acetonitrile
UNII (FDA)	Z072SB282N

Computed Descriptors

Molecular Weight	41.05
XLogP3	0
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count	0
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count	1
Rotatable Bond Count	0
Exact Mass	41.026549100
Monoisotopic Mass	41.026549100
Topological Polar Surface Area	23.8
Heavy Atom Count	3
Formal Charge	0

Physical & Chemical Properties

Boiling Point	178.9 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point	81.6 °C at 760 mm Hg
Boiling Point	82 °C
Boiling Point	179 °F
Boiling Point	81.65 °C @760 [mm Hg]
Melting Point	-49 °F (NTP, 1992)
Melting Point	-44 °C
Melting Point	-46 °C
Melting Point	-49 °F
Melting Point	-43.82 °C

Physical description & handling notes

• Acetonitrile appears as a colorless limpid liquid with an aromatic odor. Flash point 42 °F. Density 0.783 g / cm3. Toxic by skin absorption. Less dense than water. Vapors are denser than air.
• CBI; Liquid
• Colorless liquid with an aromatic odor; Note: Forms cyanide in the body; [NIOSH]
• COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.
• Colorless liquid with an aromatic odor.
• Colorless, limpid liquid

GHS Hazard Classification

Reported hazard statements	H225, H302, H312, H319, H332, H311, H370, H373

Documented Uses

• Used as a solvent for extraction of hydrocarbons, for separation of fatty acids from vegetable oils, and as a specialty solvent; [ACGIH]
• Semiconductor Manufacturing [Category: Industry]
• Smoking cigarettes [Category: Food & Drugs]
• Solvent in hydrocarbon extraction processes, especially for butadiene; specialty solvent; intermediate; catalyst; separation of fatty acids from vegetable oils; manufacturing of synthetic pharmaceuticals.
• In organic synthesis as starting material for acetophenone, alpha-naphthaleneacetic acid, thiamine, acetamidine. To remove tars, phenols, and coloring matter from petroleum hydrocarbons which are not soluble in acetonitrile. To extract fatty acids from fish liver oils and other animals and vegetable oils. Polar solvent in non-aqueous titrations; non-aqueous solvent for inorganic salts. In, ... UV, and electrochemistry applications. Facilitates reactions between organic substrates and inorganic materials.
• Acrylic fibers; pharmaceuticals; perfumes; nitrile rubber; ABS /Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene/ resins.

Synonyms

ACETONITRILE; 75-05-8; Methyl cyanide; Cyanomethane; Ethanenitrile; Ethyl nitrile; Methane, cyano-; Methanecarbonitrile; Acetonitril; Cyanure de methyl; Methylkyanid; USAF EK-488; MeCN; RCRA waste number U003; NCI-C60822; DTXSID7020009

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the CAS number and molecular formula of Acetonitrile?

CAS 75-05-8; molecular formula C2H3N; molecular weight — g/mol.

What other names is Acetonitrile known by?

ACETONITRILE, 75-05-8, Methyl cyanide, Cyanomethane, Ethanenitrile, Ethyl nitrile.

Is Acetonitrile classified as hazardous?

Hazard statements reported: H225, H302, H312, H319, H332.

What are the key physical properties of Acetonitrile?

Boiling Point: 178.9 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992); Boiling Point: 81.6 °C at 760 mm Hg; Boiling Point: 82 °C; Boiling Point: 179 °F.

Facts on this page are taken from PubChem (US National Library of Medicine) and Wikidata. Grade-specific data — assay, moisture, particle size, packaging, shelf life — is issued per batch on the COA and is not published here.