Chemical information
- CAS No: 75-05-8
- Chemical formula: CH₃CN
Acetonitrile
Acetonitrile, often abbreviated MeCN (methyl cyanide), is the chemical compound with the formula CH3CN and structure H₃C−C≡N. This colourless liquid is the simplest organic nitrile (hydrogen cyanide is a simpler nitrile, but the cyanide anion is not classed as organic).
Uses
Acetonitrile is used to make pharmaceuticals, perfumes, rubber products, pesticides, acrylic nail removers and batteries. It is also used to extract fatty acids from animal and vegetable oils. Before working with acetonitrile, employee training should be provided on safe handling and storage procedures.