Acetonitrile, 500 mL

Acetonitrile is a polar aprotic organic solvent. Acetonitrile (MeCN), an aliphatic nitrile, is a colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. It is widely used as a solvent and intermediate in organic syntheses. It is transparent to UV-visible light, making it highly applicable in spectrophotometric and fluorimetric techniques. As MeCN has low viscosity, high elution strength and is highly miscible in water, it is utilized as a mobile phase component in many chromatographic techniques. It also plays a major role as an extractant medium in liquid-liquid extraction, solid-phase extraction or microextraction. Its infrared spectrum has been recorded. Synthesis of alkyl hydroperoxides in MeCN by alkane oxidation with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of iron complexes has been studied. The hydrogenation of MeCN to form ethylamine using Co-B amorphous alloy catalyst has been investigated.

Application Notes

Acetonitrile is used in organic synthesis as starting material for acetophenone, α-naphthaleneacetic acid, thiamine, acetamidine. To remove tars, phenols, and coloring matter from petroleum hydrocarbons which are not soluble in acetonitrile. To extract fatty acids from fish liver oils and other animal and vegetable oils. Can be used to recrystallize steroids. As an indifferent medium in physicochemical investigations. Wherever a polar solvent having a rather high dielectric constant is required. As medium for promoting reactions involving ionization. As a solvent in non-aqueous titrations. As a non-aqueous solvent for inorganic salts.

Usage Statement

Unless specified otherwise, MP Biomedical's products are for research or further manufacturing use only, not for direct human use. For more information, please contact our customer service department.

Key Applications

Used in organic synthesis | Used to recrystallize steroids | As an indifferent medium in physicochemical investigations | Solvent