What is Acetonitrile?
Acetonitrileis a chemical compound that has the formula CH3CN. This colorless substance is the simplest organic nitrile. Hydrogen cyanide, HCN, is a simpler nitrile, but the cyanide anion (CN–) is not classed as organic.
Acetonitrile is manufactured mainly as a by-product of acrylonitrile and is used as a polar aprotic solvent in organic synthesis and in the cleansing of butadiene.
Acetonitrile (acn) Chemical Properties
It is a nitrile (hydrogen cyanide) with a methyl group instead of hydrogen. Additionally, it is a polar compound, meaning its atoms can attract electrons to themselves. Furthermore, the nitrogen atom has a greater electronegative charge than the carbon atom.
Physical properties of Acetonitrile
- It has the appearance of a colorless, transparent liquid with a pleasant aroma.
- It's a low-density base with a density of 0.783 g/cm3.
- The melting point is -46 to -44 degrees Celsius, while the boiling temperature is 81.3 to 82.1°Celsius.
- In water, it is miscible.

Industrial Uses of Acetonitrile (methyl cyanide)
Acetonitrile (methyl cyanide) is a vital organic solvent and chemical intermediate with extensive applications across industrial sectors.
As a Solvent: This represents its primary industrial function. As an excellent polar non-protonic solvent characterized by high dielectric constant, low viscosity, and strong dissolving power, it is commonly used in:
- Petroleum industry: Removing impurities like tar and phenols from petroleum hydrocarbons.
- Oil and fat industry: As a solvent for extracting fatty acids from vegetable and animal oils.
- Pharmaceutical industry: As a recrystallization medium for steroid drugs and for synthesizing pharmaceutical intermediates such as vitamin B1 and sulfonamide drugs.
Coatings and fibers: As a solvent for vinyl coatings and synthetic fibers (e.g., acrylonitrile fibers), and as an alcohol denaturant.
Electronics industry: High-purity acetonitrile serves as a semiconductor cleaner and photoresist remover.
As a Chemical Reaction Medium and Raw Material: Acetonitrile participates in numerous organic synthesis reactions and serves as a key intermediate for nitrogen-containing compounds:
- Used in synthesizing vitamin A, cortisone, triazine fertilizer synergists, ethylamine, acetic acid, etc.
- In pesticide production, it serves as a synthetic raw material for pyrethroid insecticides.
- Reaction with cyanogen chloride yields propionitrile, a two-carbon feedstock for organic synthesis.
Special Industrial Processes:
- Butadiene extraction: In the rubber industry, it serves as a solvent for extracting butadiene from C4 fractions.
- Dyeing and photosensitive materials: Acetonitrile (methyl cyanide) is used in textile dyeing, the lighting industry, and the manufacture of photosensitive materials.
Why Choose Gneebio for Acetonitrile (cas 75 05 8) Supply?
Gneebio is a professional manufacturer and distributor of high-purity Acetonitrile (cas 75 05 8), offering factory-direct supply and large-volume delivery.
Advantages for Industrial Buyers
- Bulk Production & Stable Supply: Reliable monthly capacity to avoid production delays
- Strict Quality Control: COA, MSDS, TDS, and optional third-party testing
- Flexible Packaging Options: 200L drums, 1000L IBC, ISO tanks
- Global Export Experience: Efficient shipping and compliance with international chemical regulations
Related Chemical Products from Gneebio
Bulk Industrial buyers often purchase Acetonitrile (cas 75 05 8) together with other solvents and intermediates.
Here are the most popular products:
| Product Name | CAS |
|---|---|
| Cyclohexanone (CYC) | 108-94-1 |
| Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) | 80-62-6 |
| 2-Methoxyethanol | 109-86-4 |
| Propionic Acid | 79-09-4 |
| Ethylene Glycol (Meg) | 107-21-1 |
| N, N-Dimethylacetamide (DMAC) | 127-19-5 |





