The use of acetonitrile in the pharmaceutical industry

The pharmaceutical industry is the largest end use for acetonitrile and uses it as a reagent, reaction solvent or extraction solvent. Acetonitrile is used as a starting material to synthesize vitamins A and B1, cortisone, carbonate drugs and some amino acids. Moreover, acetonitrile is also used as a solvent for DNA synthesis and in the production of insulin and antibiotics, as well as tertiary-generation cephalosporins (cefriaxone sodium, cefoperazone sodium). The latter are used to treat infections in the lower respiratory tract, skin tissue and bacterial septicemia. The use of acetonitrile in pharmaceutical products for diseases has grown rapidly in recent years, boosted by improved living standards in industrialized countries.