| Formula / Notation | C2H3N |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 75-05-8 |
| Molecular Weight | 41.05 |
| Melting Point | -49 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Boiling Point | 178.9 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992) |
| Density | 0.787 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float |
| Solubility | greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 72.5 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Appearance | 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. |
| Also Known As | 75-05-8; Methyl cyanide; Cyanomethane; Ethanenitrile; Ethyl nitrile; Methane, cyano-; Methanecarbonitrile; Acetonitril; Cyanure de methyl; Methylkyanid |
| Category | Organic Compounds |
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Acetonitrile is a nitrile that is hydrogen cyanide in which the hydrogen has been replaced by a methyl group.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.
Formula & Notation
IUPAC Name: acetonitrile
Other Names / Synonyms: 75-05-8; Methyl cyanide; Cyanomethane; Ethanenitrile; Ethyl nitrile; Methane, cyano-; Methanecarbonitrile; Acetonitril; Cyanure de methyl; Methylkyanid
Properties & Characteristics
Physical Data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | -49 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Boiling Point | 178.9 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992) |
| Density | 0.787 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float |
| Molecular Weight | 41.05 |
| Solubility | greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 72.5 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Appearance | 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. |
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Acetonitrile is a nitrile that is hydrogen cyanide in which the hydrogen has been replaced by a methyl group.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.
Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.
Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.
The formula or notation for Acetonitrile is: C2H3N