How Do You Spell ACETONITRILE?

Pronunciation: [ˈasɪtˌɒna͡ɪtɹˌa͡ɪl] (IPA)

Acetonitrile (əˈsiːtəʊˌnaɪtraɪl) is a colorless liquid commonly used as a solvent in various chemical processes. It is spelled as "a-c-e-t-o-n-i-t-r-i-l-e," with each letter pronounced separately using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The word derives from acetic acid and nitrile, with the -itrile suffix indicating a molecule containing a nitrile group (-CN). Due to its toxicity and flammability, it must be handled with care in laboratory settings. Accurate spelling and pronunciation of chemical names is essential for safe handling and communication among scientists and researchers.

ACETONITRILE Meaning and Definition

1. Acetonitrile is a colorless liquid compound with the chemical formula CH3CN. It is classified as a nitrile, which is an organic compound containing a cyano group (-CN) attached to a carbon atom. Acetonitrile is produced through the reaction of acetaldehyde with ammonia in the presence of a catalyst.

   It is commonly used as a solvent in various industries, including pharmaceutical, chemical, and analytical laboratories. Its ability to dissolve a wide range of organic and inorganic compounds makes it a versatile solvent for many applications. Acetonitrile is particularly useful in chromatography techniques, such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), due to its low UV cutoff and stability over a wide temperature range.

   Moreover, acetonitrile is also used in the production of numerous chemicals, including pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and dyes. Its high volatility and low viscosity make it suitable for these applications. Additionally, acetonitrile serves as a starting material for the synthesis of several pharmaceutical intermediates, including vitamins, sulfa drugs, and rubber chemicals.

   Although acetonitrile is generally considered to be a relatively safe compound, it is toxic when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Chronic exposure to acetonitrile can cause health issues, including damage to the liver, kidneys, and nervous system. Therefore, proper precautions should be taken when handling and using acetonitrile, such as using protective clothing, gloves, and adequate ventilation.

Etymology of ACETONITRILE

The word "acetonitrile" is derived from the combination of two terms: "acet-" and "-nitrile".

1. Acet-: The prefix "acet-" refers to acetic acid, which is a clear, colorless organic compound commonly known as vinegar. Acetic acid is derived from the Latin word "acetum", meaning "vinegar".

2. -Nitrile: The suffix "-nitrile" refers to a class of organic compounds known as nitriles. Nitriles are characterized by the presence of a CN functional group (cyano group) consisting of a carbon atom triple-bonded to a nitrogen atom.

Therefore, the word "acetonitrile" implies a nitrile compound derived from acetic acid or vinegar.

Plural form of ACETONITRILE is ACETONITRILES