[Chemical Knowledge]：The nature, use, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods of acetonitrile, what is the role of acetonitrile

Acetonitrile Properties

Acetonitrile (chemical formula: CH3CN), also known as methyl cyanide, is an important organic compound, belonging to the nitrile compound. Acetonitrile is a colorless and transparent liquid at room temperature, with a pungent odor similar to ether. It has a melting point of -45°C, a boiling point of 82°C and a density of 0.786g/cm³. Acetonitrile has high polarity and good solubility, and can be miscible with water, ethanol, ether and other organic solvents in any proportion. Acetonitrile has good chemical stability, but hydrolysis reaction may occur under high temperature or strong acid and alkali conditions, generating acetic acid and ammonia.

Use of acetonitrile

Acetonitrile is widely used in many fields because of its excellent solubility and chemical properties. In chemical analysis, acetonitrile is an important solvent for high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), which can effectively separate and purify complex mixtures. In organic synthesis, acetonitrile can not only be used as a reaction solvent, but also as a reactant to participate in a variety of organic reactions, such as the synthesis of nucleotides. Acetonitrile is also the main raw material for pesticides and pharmaceutical intermediates, used in the manufacture of herbicides, pesticides and drugs. Acetonitrile is also used in the production of battery electrolytes, especially as a solvent in lithium-ion batteries.

Acetonitrile upstream and downstream raw materials

The production of acetonitrile mainly adopts ethylene ammoxidation and propylene ammoxidation. Ethylene ammoxidation method is through the reaction of ethylene and ammonia under the action of catalyst to produce acetonitrile and water; propylene ammoxidation method is through the reaction of propylene and ammonia and oxygen at high temperature to produce acrylonitrile, and then through hydrolysis or catalytic hydrogenation to obtain acetonitrile. The raw materials for these two processes mainly include ethylene, propylene, ammonia and oxygen. Downstream, acetonitrile is further processed or supplied directly as a solvent and raw material to the chemical, pharmaceutical, pesticide and other industries.

Acetonitrile storage method

Acetonitrile is a flammable and explosive chemical, so its storage requires special attention to safety. Acetonitrile should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated special chemical warehouse, away from fire, heat and direct sunlight. Storage containers shall be sealed with corrosion resistant materials such as stainless steel or special plastic drums to ensure no leakage. The warehouse shall be equipped with fire prevention facilities and emergency treatment equipment to prevent accidents. During storage and use, operators should wear protective clothing, gloves and goggles to avoid skin contact and inhalation of acetonitrile vapor.

Acetonitrile Market and Prospects

In recent years, with the rapid development of chemical, pharmaceutical and electronic industries, the global acetonitrile market demand is increasing. The Asia-Pacific region is the largest consumer market for acetonitrile, especially China, which has a huge demand for acetonitrile due to its large chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Developed countries and regions such as Europe and the United States also have a high demand for high-quality acetonitrile, which is mainly used in high-end applications such as high-performance liquid chromatography. With the improvement of green chemical industry and environmental protection requirements, the future acetonitrile production process will develop in the direction of more efficient and low pollution, and the research and development of new catalysts and reaction processes will also promote the further reduction of acetonitrile production costs and the improvement of product quality.

Acetonitrile Environmental and Safety Issues

There are some environmental and safety problems in the use and production of acetonitrile. Acetonitrile is toxic to aquatic organisms and causes pollution to the environment, so waste treatment must comply with environmental regulations and avoid direct discharge. Acetonitrile vapor is flammable and explosive, and safety regulations shall be strictly observed during operation and transportation to prevent fire and explosion accidents. Enterprises should strengthen the safety training of employees and formulate sound safety operation procedures and emergency plans to ensure the safety of personnel and the environment.

Conclusion

As an important organic chemical raw material, acetonitrile plays an important role in modern industry because of its excellent physical and chemical properties and a wide range of applications. Although there are certain environmental and safety risks in its production and use, these problems can be effectively controlled through advanced production technology and strict safety management. With the progress of science and technology and the growth of market demand, the production technology and application prospect of acetonitrile will continue to expand, and promote the sustainable development of related industries.