acetonitriili

Acetonitrile, also known as acetonitriili in Italian or methyl cyanide, is a colorless, volatile liquid with the formula CH3CN. It is miscible with water and most organic solvents. It has a boiling point of 81.6 °C and a density of about 0.786 g/mL at 25 °C. It is a polar aprotic solvent with a relatively high dielectric constant, making it useful for stabilizing ionic intermediates in reactions.

Acetonitrile is widely used as a polar aprotic solvent in organic synthesis, analytical chemistry and pharmaceutical manufacturing. It is commonly employed as a mobile phase in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and as a solvent for reactions involving organometallic reagents, nitrile syntheses, and polymerization processes. It is also used as an electrolyte solvent in certain lithium-based batteries and in dye and resin applications.

Industrial production occurs mainly by dehydration of acetamide or as a byproduct in acrylonitrile production. It is sold as a bulk chemical for use in laboratories and manufacturing, and is available in various purities depending on the intended application.

Safety and handling: acetonitrile is flammable and moderately toxic. Ingestion, inhalation, or skin exposure can pose health risks, and the compound can metabolize to cyanide in the body. Handling requires good ventilation, appropriate personal protective equipment, and standard precautions to avoid inhalation and skin contact. It should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated area away from oxidizers and heat sources. Environmental impact is mainly associated with toxicity to aquatic life, so spill response and containment are important.