Middlesborough-based Ineous Nitriles has today confirmed the world's first sales of Invireo, a new bio-based acetonitrile necessary for the production of many pharmaceuticals such as insulin and vaccines. It also played a role in the detection of Covid 19 and the development of the vaccine.
Invireo acetonitrile is produced using a controlled and certified (ISCC+) mass balance route which allows Ineous Nitriles to offer customers products with the same performance as conventionally produced acetonitrile, but with a 90% reduction in their carbon footprint, according to the company.
The product, a core solvent acetonitrile, is necessary for the development, purification and production of many pharmaceuticals such as insulin and vaccines.
Gordon Adams, business director for INEOS Nitriles and INEOS Phenol businesses said: “This is a significant milestone in the delivery of INEOS Nitriles' sustainability strategy. Our new bio-based acetonitrile has the potential to significantly cut the carbon footprint of pharmaceutical products, which are essential to our everyday lives and healthcare. Pharma is an energy-intensive industry, so companies that use our acetonitrile can deliver an immediate cut in their carbon footprint.”
Overall, acetonitrile's versatility as a high purity solvent and chemical intermediate makes it indispensable in numerous processes, ranging from pharmaceutical manufacturing and analytical chemistry to battery technology and organic synthesis. Many pharmaceutical molecules are synthesized in solvents, and acetonitrile's unique properties make it essential for this purpose.
