Acetonitrile, CAS 75-05-8, is a polar aprotic solvent used in chemical synthesis, extraction, chromatography and other industrial processes. Public records identify it as C2H3N with a molecular weight of 41.05 g/mol. Commercial labels such as industrial grade and HPLC grade describe different performance expectations, but the label alone is not a complete specification.
Start with the intended use
Industrial synthesis may prioritize assay, water, acidity, color and predictable batch consistency. Chromatographic work can be much more sensitive to UV absorbance, particulate contamination, evaporation residue and trace impurities. A buyer should define the analytical wavelength, detector, method sensitivity and baseline requirements before assuming an HPLC label is sufficient.
Industrial grade is not one universal standard
Industrial acetonitrile specifications vary by producer and application. A headline purity of ≥99.9% does not automatically describe moisture, acidity, residue or organic impurity profile. Buyers should compare representative specifications and recent COAs on equivalent methods. For moisture-sensitive reactions, water can be more important than a small difference in total assay.
HPLC and analytical requirements
HPLC users should request the supplier’s actual analytical specification rather than relying on marketing language. Relevant items may include UV transmission or absorbance at specified wavelengths, gradient suitability, residue after evaporation, water, acidity or alkalinity, and particulate control. Acceptance limits must match the validated method and instrument, not a generic internet table.
Questions to include in an inquiry
- Is the material for synthesis, extraction, routine HPLC or a high-sensitivity method?
- Which wavelength and detector will be used?
- What water and residue limits are required?
- Is batch-to-batch UV performance critical?
- What package size and closure fit the laboratory or plant?
- Which destination documents and shipment route are required?
Use samples correctly
A sample can support method testing, but it should represent the proposed commercial grade and package. Confirm whether the supplier can maintain the same specification for future batches. Record lot numbers and test conditions so that sample approval can be connected to commercial receiving criteria.
Review the Xinchen Acetonitrile product page and state the grade, test requirements, quantity and destination when requesting a quotation.
Reference sources
Identity and physical-property information can be checked through PubChem CID 6342. Workplace safety information is available in the NIOSH Pocket Guide. Final grade approval must rely on current supplier specifications, batch COA and the buyer’s validated method.
Turning a grade description into an approved specification
Acetonitrile is a polar aprotic solvent used in chemical processing and, when supplied to an appropriate specification, chromatography-related work. Industrial and HPLC descriptions are not interchangeable: UV absorbance, water, residue and trace impurity controls can differ even when the headline assay is similar.
For industrial processing, buyers may focus on assay, water, acidity, residue and batch consistency. HPLC-related qualification can additionally require wavelength-specific UV absorbance or transmittance limits, tighter residue controls and evidence that the solvent is suitable for the analytical method. Those limits should be written into the specification rather than inferred from the phrase “HPLC grade.” Packaging cleanliness and closure integrity are also important because contamination introduced after production can invalidate an otherwise acceptable batch result. Receiving laboratories should use clean sampling tools and document container and seal condition.
Define the actual end-use requirement first. The specification should identify critical parameters, numeric limits, units, methods and the physical form or inhibitor system where relevant. A grade name is useful for initial screening, but final approval should be based on measurable requirements and a representative sample.
Core parameters for Acetonitrile
| Review point | Practical action |
|---|---|
| identity and assay | Specify limit, unit and method; compare the shipping-batch result. |
| water content | Specify limit, unit and method; compare the shipping-batch result. |
| UV absorbance or transmittance when relevant | Specify limit, unit and method; compare the shipping-batch result. |
| non-volatile residue | Review when relevant to the approved process and destination. |
| acidity and trace organic impurities | Review when relevant to the approved process and destination. |
Results must be interpreted as a group. A strong assay result does not cancel an unsuitable water, residue, inhibitor, acidity or impurity result. Method details matter as well: sample handling, calculation basis and reporting limits can change whether two COAs are genuinely comparable.
Sample approval and incoming inspection
For a new supplier or changed grade, request a current specification, representative COA and SDS before ordering. Test a representative sample using the receiving plant’s normal method and, where performance is process-sensitive, complete a documented laboratory or pilot trial. Record the approved grade, critical limits and acceptance decision.
Before shipment, review the actual batch COA. On receipt, verify package condition, product identity, lot number, net weight and required labels before sampling. A retained sample and receiving record make later quality investigations more reliable.
Commercial and logistics checklist
- Confirm product name and CAS number: Acetonitrile, 75-05-8.
- State grade, required specification, quantity and intended application.
- Agree package type, net weight and unloading requirements.
- Review the latest SDS and transport classification for the supplied grade.
- Confirm destination port or country, Incoterm and required export documents.
- Approve a sample and the shipping-batch COA before regular use.
Storage and handling must follow the latest SDS, local regulations and the buyer’s process-hazard review. Online procurement information is not a substitute for an operating procedure, exposure-control plan or legal advice.
Product page and quotation details
See the current Acetonitrile product page. A useful quotation request should include grade, critical limits, quantity, package preference, application, destination and required documents. Xinchen can then review the offered material and route without implying suitability beyond the documented specification.
Authoritative references
Use the latest official records, current SDS and destination requirements when making safety, transport or compliance decisions.