[News & Trends]:Do you really understand the difference between cyanide and acetonitrile?

In the field of chemistry, cyanide and acetonitrile are two common chemical substances with similar names but significant differences in reality. This article will provide you with a detailed analysis of the differences between cyanide and acetonitrile, helping you better understand these two chemical substances


Ethylcyanide and acetonitrile have different chemical structures. The chemical structure formula of ethylcyanide is CH3CN. It is an organic cyanide compound, which is a co precipitate product of potassium hydroxide and silver cyanide. It usually appears as a colorless crystal with an irritating odor. The chemical formula of acetonitrile is CH3CH2CN, which is also an organic cyanide compound. It is a colorless liquid at room temperature and has a strong irritating odor. From a chemical structure perspective, acetonitrile is an isomer of methyl cyanide, while acetonitrile is an isomer of acetonitrile


There are also certain differences in the properties between cyanide and acetonitrile. Ethylcyanide is a solid at room temperature, with a melting point of -13 ° C and a boiling point of 82 ° C. It is volatile, insoluble in water, and soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and ether. Acetonitrile is a liquid at room temperature, with a boiling point of 81-82 ° C and a density of 0.786g/cm ³, Easy to evaporate, soluble in water and ethanol. From a property perspective, acetonitrile has stronger volatility and better solubility


In addition, the uses of cyanide and acetonitrile are not entirely the same. Ethylcyanide can be used in organic synthesis, surfactants, dyes, pharmaceuticals, plastics, rubber, and other fields. It is an important organic synthesis raw material and can also be used to prepare amino acids and acetonitrile methanesulfonate. Acetonitrile is widely used in organic synthesis, pesticides, fertilizers, pigments, insecticides, and other fields, and is an important organic solvent and raw material


Overall, although the names of cyanide and acetonitrile are similar, there are significant differences in their chemical structure, properties, and uses. Understanding the differences between these two chemicals can help us better apply them and avoid accidents caused by misuse. I hope this article can help you better understand cyanide and acetonitrile, and better apply these two chemical substances.