Acetonitrile price index

Acetonitrile price October 2024 and outlook (see chart below)

• Northeast Asia:US$1.44/KG, -0.7% down

The chart below summarizes Acetonitrile price trend per region, as well as the outlook. It takes a moment to load.

Acetonitrile price index

This post is a summary of the Acetonitrile price developments. The price developments of Acetonitrile are expressed in US$ prices converted FX rates applicable at the time when the price was valid. Acetonitrile price index developments are calculated from multiple separate sources of data to ensure statistical accuracy.

The outlook for Acetonitrile) prices, on the second tab, is generated from different inputs including:

• Very recent price developments of immediate cost drivers of Acetonitrile prices
• Recent price developments of underlying feedstocks which drive the price of Acetonitrile
• Market futures for both cost drives and feedstocks of Acetonitrile prices
• Adjustment of current supply/demand imbalances in the Acetonitrile market
• Longer term trends in likely demand conditions

Further information on the Acetonitrile price chart

 

What is Acetonitrile

Acetonitrile, also known by its systematic name methyl cyanide, is an important organic compound with the chemical formula CH₃CN. It is the simplest nitrile and serves as a key solvent and intermediate in various chemical industries.

• Chemical Formula: CH₃CN
• Molecular Weight: 41.05 g/mol
• Appearance: Colorless liquid
• Odor: Slightly sweet, almond-like smell
• Boiling Point: Approximately 81.6°C (178.9°F)
• Melting Point: -45°C (-49°F)
• Solubility: Miscible with water, ethanol, methanol, and many organic solvents
• Polarity: Polar aprotic solvent, which makes it effective in dissolving a wide range of substances

 

How is Acetonitrile produced

Acetonitrile is primarily produced through two main processes:

From Acetylene and Ammonia:

Reaction: Acetylene reacts with ammonia to form acrylonitrile, which is then hydrogenated to produce acetonitrile.

From Acetone Cyanohydrin:

Reaction: Acetone reacts with hydrogen cyanide (HCN) to form acetone cyanohydrin, which upon dehydration yields acetonitrile.

 

What is Acetonitrile used for

Solvent in Chemical Reactions:

Organic Synthesis: Due to its polar aprotic nature, acetonitrile is widely used as a solvent in various organic reactions, including nucleophilic substitutions and cycloadditions.

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC):

Acetonitrile is a preferred solvent in HPLC for the separation and analysis of compounds, owing to its low viscosity and high elution strength.

Pharmaceutical Industry:

Utilized in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and as a solvent in drug formulations.

Production of Synthetic Fibers and Plastics:

Serves as an intermediate in the manufacture of acrylic fibers and other polymeric materials.

Battery Electrolytes:

Used in certain types of batteries due to its high dielectric constant and ability to dissolve a variety of salts.

 

What are the key characteristics of Acetonitrile

Polarity

Highly polar due to the nitrile group, making it an excellent solvent for polar and non-polar compounds.

Reactivity

Relatively inert under normal conditions but can undergo hydrolysis under acidic or basic conditions to form acetic acid and ammonia.

Flammability

Highly flammable with a flash point of 7 °C (44.6 °F).

Stability

Stable under normal storage conditions but should be kept away from strong acids, bases, and oxidizing agents.

 

How big is the global Acetonitrile market

Market Size and Growth

As of 2023, the global acetonitrile market was valued at approximately USD 1.5 billion. The market has been experiencing steady growth, driven by increasing demand in pharmaceutical applications, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and electronics manufacturing.

Key Drivers

Pharmaceutical Industry

Growth in drug discovery and development activities has significantly increased the demand for acetonitrile as a solvent and intermediate.

Analytical and Laboratory Usage

Widespread use in HPLC for pharmaceutical, environmental, and biochemical analyses.

Electronics and Semiconductors

Expansion of the electronics sector, particularly in the manufacture of semiconductors and printed circuit boards, contributes to the rising demand.

Chemical Synthesis

Increased production of polymers, synthetic rubber, and other chemicals that utilize acetonitrile as a feedstock.

Regional Insights

North America

Holds a significant share of the market due to the presence of a robust pharmaceutical industry and advanced research facilities.

Europe

Another major market, driven by strong demand from the chemical and electronics sectors.

Asia-Pacific

Expected to witness the highest growth rate, fueled by rapid industrialization, expansion of the pharmaceutical sector, and increasing investments in electronics manufacturing, particularly in countries like China, India, and South Korea.

Latin America and Middle East & Africa

Represent smaller but growing segments, with increasing industrial activities contributing to demand.

Competitive Landscape

The global acetonitrile market is moderately fragmented with key players focusing on strategic partnerships, expansions, and product innovations to enhance their market presence. Major companies include:

Honeywell International Inc.
LyondellBasell Industries
China National Bluestar (Group) Co., Ltd.
Daicel Corporation
BASF SE
Future Outlook

The acetonitrile market is projected to continue its growth trajectory over the next five years, with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 5-6%. Innovations in pharmaceutical formulations, advancements in analytical technologies, and the ongoing expansion of the electronics industry are anticipated to sustain the demand for acetonitrile.