Acetonitrile (CH3CN) is a colorless, volatile, and flammable polar aprotic solventwith an ether-like odor. As a leading supplier of Acetonitrile, I am often asked about its properties. In this blog post, I will delve into the key characteristics of acetonitrile.
Understanding the physical properties of acetonitrile-especially its freezing point and melting point-is essential for storage, transportation, and industrial processing, particularly in temperature-sensitive applications.
Acetonitrile Freezing Point and Melting Point
Acetonitrile has a relatively low freezing point, which makes it suitable for a wide range of industrial environments.
- Freezing point / Melting point: approximately -45°C
- Boiling point: approximately 81.6°C
At temperatures below -45°C, acetonitrile solidifies into a crystalline form. In normal industrial conditions, it remains in a stable liquid state, which is one of the reasons it is widely used as a solvent in controlled chemical reactions and chromatographic systems.
Physical and Chemical Properties of Acetonitrile
Acetonitrile is a polar aprotic solvent with strong solvation capacity and broad compatibility in chemical systems. It is completely miscible with water and most common organic solvents, including alcohols, esters, and ethers. This wide miscibility makes it particularly suitable for multi-component reaction systems and industrial separation processes.
From a practical application perspective, acetonitrile is characterized by relatively high polarity combined with low viscosity, which supports efficient mass transfer in liquid-phase reactions. It shows good chemical stability under normal storage and operating conditions, and its moderate volatility allows for easy removal after reaction or extraction steps. In addition, its low freezing point ensures stable liquid performance even in low-temperature environments, reducing operational risks during storage and transportation in colder regions. Acetonitrile also demonstrates strong dissolving power for a wide range of organic compounds, making it a reliable solvent in both.
For detailed information on the properties of acetonitrile, please click here.
Uses of Acetonitrile (C2H3N)
- Acetonitrile is used as a solvent in the extraction process of hydrocarbons.
- It is used to separate fatty acids from vegetable oil.
- Used in making perfumes.
- It is widely used in the production of synthetic pharmaceuticals.
- It is used in the manufacturing of rubber.
- It is used in refining as well as extraction of copper.
- Used as a solvent in electrochemical cells.
Tianjin Gnee Biotech Co., Ltd., established in 2016 and located in Henan Province, is a manufacturing-based export company specializing in chemical raw materials; for any questions, please feel free to contact wendy@gneebio.com.