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Polar aprotic solvents

Acetonitrile

Also known as Methyl cyanide, Cyanomethane, Ethanenitrile

CAS 75-05-8Formula C2H3NMolar mass 41.05 g/molEC 200-835-2
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Flammable, Harmful or irritant 368 suppliers listed
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Acetonitrile chemical structure, C2H3N, CAS 75-05-8
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Colorless, limpid liquid
Melting point
-44 °C
Boiling point
81.6 °C
Density
0.78745 at 15 °C/4 °C
Flash point
6 °C
HS code
292690
Category
Polar aprotic solvents
UN number
UN 1648
Illustrative photo, an amber glass solvent bottle with clear liquid on a laboratory bench
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Acetonitrile?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Acetonitrile is a nitrile that is hydrogen cyanide in which the hydrogen has been replaced by a methyl group. It has a role as a polar aprotic solvent and an EC 3.5.1.4 (amidase) inhibitor. It is a volatile organic compound and an aliphatic nitrile.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
acetonitrile
CAS number
75-05-8 CAS number cross-checkedOther or deprecated CAS: 148642-19-7, 26809-02-9, 66016-35-1
EC number
200-835-2
Molecular formula
C2H3N
UNII
Z072SB282N
MDL number
MFCD00001878
InChIKey
WEVYAHXRMPXWCK-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C2H3N/c1-2-3/h1H3
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
CC#N

Synonyms

  • Methyl cyanide
  • Cyanomethane
  • Ethanenitrile
  • Ethyl nitrile
  • Methane, cyano-
  • Methanecarbonitrile
  • Acetonitril
  • Cyanure de methyl
  • Methylkyanid
  • USAF EK-488
  • MeCN
  • RCRA waste number U003
  • Acetonitrile, anhydrous
  • Acetonitrile with 0.1% ammonium acetate
  • ACETONITRILE WITH 0.1per cent AMMONIUM ACETATE
  • anhydrous Acetonitrile
  • Acetonitrile (2-13c, 99%)
  • Acetonitrile [UN1648] [Flammable liquid]
  • Methyl Cyanide, Cyanomethane, Ethanenitrile, ethyl
  • Acetonitril (GERMAN, DUTCH)
  • Acetonitrile, for DNA synthesis
  • acetnitrile
  • Ethanonitrile
  • Acetonitrile (anhydrous, 99.8%)
  • CCN
Show all 35 synonyms
  • Acetonitrile, for HPLC, gradient grade, >=99.9%
  • RCRA waste no. U003
  • acetonitile
  • acetonitnle
  • acetonitriie
  • acteonitril
  • acteonitrile
  • actonitrile
  • methylcyanide
  • methylnitrile

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Colorless, limpid liquidexp.
Odour
Aromatic odorexp.
Taste
Burning sweetish tasteexp.
Melting point
-44 °Cexp.
Boiling point
81.6 °Cexp.
Density
0.78745 at 15 °C/4 °Cexp.
Flash point
6 °Cexp.
Autoignition temperature
524 °Cexp.
Solubility
In water, >800 g/L at 25 °Cexp.
Vapour pressure
88.8 mm Hg at 25 °Cexp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
41.05 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
41.0265 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
0.53calc.
Topological polar surface area
23.79 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
0calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
1calc.
Rotatable bonds
0calc.
Heavy atoms
3calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.5calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS02: Flammable
Flammable
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant
320NFPA 704 rating

Hazard statements

  • H225Highly flammable liquid and vapour.
  • H302Harmful if swallowed.
  • H312Harmful in contact with skin.
  • H319Causes serious eye irritation.
  • H332Harmful if inhaled.
Precautionary statements (25)
  • P210Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
  • P233Keep container tightly closed.
  • P240Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
  • P241Use explosion-proof electrical, ventilating and lighting equipment.
  • P242Use non-sparking tools.
  • P243Take action to prevent static discharges.
  • P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P264 + P265Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
  • P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P301 + P317If swallowed: Get medical help.
  • P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P303 + P361 + P353If on skin (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water or shower.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P305 + P351 + P338If in eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P317Get medical help.
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P330Rinse mouth.
  • P337 + P317If eye irritation persists: Get medical help.
  • P362 + P364Take off contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
  • P370 + P378In case of fire: Use appropriate media to extinguish.
  • P403 + P235Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
UN number
UN 1648
Transport hazard class
3
Packing group
II

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Acetonitrile suppliers

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All 368 suppliers
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Where suppliers are based

368 suppliers in 34 countries

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Acetonitrile price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

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.

Read more

Facilitates reactions between organic substrates and inorganic materials.

Acrylic fibers, pharmaceuticals, perfumes, nitrile rubber, ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) resins.

Starting material for many types of nitrogen-containing compounds, eg, amides, amines, higher molecular weight mono- and dinitriles, halogenated nitriles, ketones, isocyanates, and heterocycles, eg, pyridines and imidazolines.

Acetonitrile is predominantly used as a solvent in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, for spinning fibers and for casting and molding of plastic materials, in lithium batteries, for the extraction of fatty acids from animal and vegetable oils, and in chemical laboratories for the detection of materials such as pesticide residues.

Industrial uses: Fuel, Processing aids not otherwise specified, Other, Solvent, Laboratory chemicals, Dye, Intermediate.

Consumer uses: Laboratory chemicals, Intermediate, Solvent.

Roles

  • aprotic solvent
  • enzyme inhibitor
  • polar aprotic solvent
  • polar solvent
  • solvent

How it is made

Acetonitrile is mainly prepared by dehydration of acetamide (CH3CONH2) with glacial acetic acid ... or by reacting acetic acid with ammonia at 400-500 °C in the presennce of a dehydration catalyst.

Acetonitrile and hydrogen cyanide are the principal byproducts from the ammoxidation of propylene to acrylonitrile (Sohio process). Some acrylonitrile producers recover and purify acetonitrile, but most companies burn the byproducts as plant fuel.

By-product of propylene-ammonia process for acrylonitrile.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Europe

  • EU harmonised classification (CLP Annex VI)
    Index no: 608-001-00-3

Health and food

  • EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II, prohibited in cosmetics
    Name: Acetonitrile, Ref no: 393, Annex ref: II/393

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Acetonitrile is traded under.

HS 2926.90Indicative HS code

Nitrile-function compounds, other

World exports in 2024
$2.15B
−13.5% vs 2023, imports $2.17B
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China35.6%
  2. France * partner reported12.7%
  3. India * partner reported11.2%
Top importers
  1. United States13.6%
  2. China12.4%
  3. Brazil11.9%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Acetonitrile is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Acetonitrile, based on the data on this page

What is Acetonitrile?

Acetonitrile is a nitrile that is hydrogen cyanide in which the hydrogen has been replaced by a methyl group. It has a role as a polar aprotic solvent and an EC 3.5.1.4 (amidase) inhibitor. It is a volatile organic compound and an aliphatic nitrile.

What is the CAS number of Acetonitrile?

The CAS registry number of Acetonitrile is 75-05-8. Other or deprecated CAS numbers: 148642-19-7, 26809-02-9, 66016-35-1.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Acetonitrile?

The molecular formula of Acetonitrile is C2H3N and its molar mass is 41.05 g/mol.

What is Acetonitrile used for?

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.

Is Acetonitrile hazardous?

Acetonitrile carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: highly flammable liquid and vapour, harmful if swallowed, harmful in contact with skin. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Acetonitrile?

Acetonitrile is usually classified under HS code 292690 (Nitrile-function compounds, other). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Acetonitrile?

CompoundList lists 368 suppliers of Acetonitrile in India, China, United States, Germany and 30 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Acetonitrile in India?

108 suppliers in India list Acetonitrile on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Acetonitrile?

Suppliers quote Acetonitrile on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Acetonitrile

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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