Acetonitrile

C₂H₃N

IUPAC: Ethanenitrile

CAS: 75-05-8

Overview

Acetonitrile is a versatile polar aprotic solvent widely used in HPLC chromatography. A global shortage in 2008 disrupted pharmaceutical and research labs worldwide.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 3 1.0080
Carbon C 2 12.0110
Nitrogen N 1 14.0070

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×3
7.4%
C
Carbon ×2
58.5%
N
Nitrogen ×1
34.1%

Uses

  • • HPLC solvent
  • • Chemical synthesis
  • • Extraction solvent
  • • Battery electrolyte

Fun Facts

  • ✦ A 2008 shortage caused acetonitrile prices to increase 10-fold, disrupting labs worldwide

Safety

  • ⚠ Toxic
  • ⚠ Flammable

Structure

SMILES

CC#N

Properties

Type
organic
State
liquid
Molar Mass
41.05 g/mol
Density
0.7860 g/cm³
Melting Point
-45.7 °C
Boiling Point
82.0 °C
Solubility
miscible

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
41.0265
XLogP
0.0
TPSA
23.8 Ų
H-Bond Donors
0
H-Bond Acceptors
1
Rotatable Bonds
0
Heavy Atoms
3
Complexity
29.0

Related Compounds

1,2-Dichloroethane

C₂H₄Cl₂

1,3-Butadiene

C₄H₆

1,4-Dioxane

C₄H₈O₂

1-Butanol

C₄H₁₀O

2-Propanol

C₃H₈O

Acetaldehyde

CH₃CHO

Acetamide

C₂H₅NO

Acetic Anhydride

C₄H₆O₃

Acetone

(CH₃)₂CO

Acetylene

C₂H₂

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Acetonitrile?
Acetonitrile (C₂H₃N) is a organic compound with the IUPAC name Ethanenitrile.
What is the molecular weight of Acetonitrile?
Acetonitrile has a molar mass of 41.05 g/mol.
What state is Acetonitrile at room temperature?
Acetonitrile is a liquid at room temperature.
Is Acetonitrile organic or inorganic?
Acetonitrile is classified as an organic compound.
What elements make up Acetonitrile?
Acetonitrile (C₂H₃N) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Nitrogen (N).