It is utilized as a polar aprotic solvent in organic synthesis and in the purification of butadiene. It is used as a mobile phase in HPLC and in LC-MS. Aqueous two-phase systems based on acetonitrile and carbohydrates play an important character in the extraction and purification of biomolecules called vanillins.

This Thermo Scientific Chemicals brand product was originally part of the Alfa Aesar product portfolio. Some documentation and label information may refer to the legacy brand. The original Alfa Aesar product / item code or SKU reference has not changed as a part of the brand transition to Thermo Scientific Chemicals.