The most basic organic nitrile is acetonitrile, which is also frequently referred to as methane and nitrile methyl cyanide. At room temperature, it is a clear, colorless liquid. It has a distinct ether-like odor, is extremely volatile, and burns brilliantly. Water, methanol, carbon tetrachloride, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, ethylene dichloride, and numerous other non-saturated hydrocarbon solvents all exhibit mutual solubility. It is poisonous and can be broken down into thiocyanate and hydrogen cyanide.

Acetonitrile is a significant chemical intermediate and a good solvent with outstanding performance. As a polar aprotic solvent, it is also frequently utilized. Acetonitrile is primarily utilized as a solvent in the manufacture of vitamin A, cortisone, carbon amine medications, and their intermediary solvents. Additionally, it serves as an active media solvent in the production of amino acids and vitamin B1.

As a vinyl coating, fatty acid extracting agent, alcohol denaturant, butadiene extracting agent, and solvent for acrylonitrile synthetic fibers, it can be used in place of chlorinated solvents. It also has a lot of applications in fabric dyeing, light industry, spice manufacturing, and photographic materials manufacturing.