Acetonitrile Shortage

As many of you may be aware, there is currently a worldwide shortage in the supply of acetonitrile, a common solvent, which is affecting laboratories across all industries. Some chemical suppliers are still able to supply acetonitrile but supplies are severely restricted, costs are increasing and lead times are becoming more and more uncertain.

The problem arose as acetonitrile is mainly manufactured as a by-product in acrylonitrile production and in 2008, due to the recession, there was a dramatic downturn in the global demand for this product - acrylonitrile is used to make plastic products including parts used in the automotive industry. Latest forecasts suggest that the global recession will continue to affect acetonitrile availability in the foreseeable future.

A lot of analytical methods for drug analysis by HPLC use acetonitrile for sample preparation and in mobile phases. An increase in acetonitrile costs will therefore have a direct increase in the running costs of your laboratory. More importantly, the availability of acetonitrile could delay the analysis of test results needed for finished product batch release and therefore causing serious problems to your supply chain.

Broughton Laboratories have a wealth of experience in dealing with these sorts of business challenges. We can help you reduce your acetonitrile usage by optimising or re-developing your current analytical methods. We also have significant expertise in test method validation which is required by regulatory authorities following such changes.

Whether you are looking to reduce your acetonitrile usage, reduce your solvent costs in general or simply improve the effectiveness and efficiency of old analytical methods, please call us for a free, no-obligation method review. Our friendly team of dedicated people ensure our clients always receive continuous high levels of service and professionalism.

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