
What is Sodium Methoxide and its uses
Sodium methoxide is a white, caustic, and alkaline powder that is used as a reagent in industry and laboratories. It's also known as sodium methylate and has the chemical formula CH3ONa.It's used in the production of biodiesel, as a catalyst in organic synthesis, and in the pharmacy, flavoring, and optical brightener industries.When it reacts with water, it produces sodium hydroxide and methyl alcohol. This reaction can be exothermic enough to ignite the sodium methoxide or surrounding combustible materials. It also reacts violently with acids and metals, producing flammable or explosive gas.It should be stored in a cool, dry, fireproof area away from strong oxidants, acids, metals, food, and feedstuffs. It should be kept in an airtight, unbreakable container and not transported with food and feedstuffs.Sodium methoxide in powder form is mainly used in pharmaceutical industry, such as the manufacture of Vitamin A1, Vitamin BI, Sulfamethoxypyridazine, Sulfadiazine, trimethoprim. It can also be used as catalyst in Biodiesel Industry. Sodium Methoxide can also be applied as edible catalyst and analytical reagent.
Preparation and structure:
Sodium methoxide is prepared by treating methanol with sodium:
2 Na + 2 CH3OH → 2 CH3ONa + H2
The reaction is so exothermic that ignition is possible. The resulting solution, which is colorless, is often used as a source of sodium methoxide, but the pure material can be isolated by evaporation followed by heating to remove residual methanol.
As a solid, sodium methoxide is polymeric, with sheet-like arrays of Na+ centers, each bonded to four oxygen centers.
The structure, and hence the basicity, of sodium methoxide in solution depends on the solvent. It is a significantly stronger base in DMSO where it is more fully ionized and free of hydrogen bonding.
INDUSTRAIL USES:
- Biodiesel production: Sodium methoxide is a catalyst in the transesterification reaction that produces fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) from vegetable oils and animal fats.
- Pharmaceuticals: Sodium methoxide is used to make vitamins A1 and B1, as well as sulfamethoxypyridazine, sulfadiazine, and trimethoprim.
- Food and flavoring: Sodium methoxide can be used as an edible catalyst and flavoring agent.
- Optical brighteners: Sodium methoxide is used in optical brighteners.
- Analytical reagent: Sodium methoxide is used as an analytical reagent.
- Condensation reactions: Sodium methoxide is used as a catalyst in condensation reactions.
- Edible fats and oils: Sodium methoxide is used to treat edible fats and oils, especially lard.
- Sodium cellulosate: Sodium methoxide is used to prepare sodium cellulosate
Sodium methoxide is used as an initiator of anionic addition polymerization with ethylene oxide, forming a polyether with high molecular weight.Biodiesel is prepared from vegetable oils and animal fats (fatty acid triglycerides) by transesterification with methanol to give fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs). Sodium methoxide acts as a catalyst for this reaction, but will combine with any free fatty acids present in the oil/fat feedstock to form soap byproducts.
PACKING:
Sodium Methoxide Powder, Packaging Type: Bag, Packaging Size: 25 Kg
Sodium methoxide is packaged in bags inside drums, depending on its form and intended use:
- Drums: Sodium methoxide is often shipped in drums that are filled with nitrogen to prevent oxidation. Each drum can weigh up to 106 kg and 20 ft containers can hold up to 80 drums.
- Bags: Sodium methoxide powder can be packaged in bags, with some suppliers offering 25 kg bags.
- Screw-cap drums: Sodium methylate solutions can be packaged in screw-cap drums.
Technical Grade Sodium Methoxide(Powder)99.0% Min, Packaging Type: Hdpe Bag, for Industrial.
Sodium methoxide is a caustic base that is used in many industries and laboratories. It is important to handle sodium methoxide with care, as it can react dangerously with water and other substances:
- Storage
Keep sodium methoxide in a cool, well-ventilated area away from sources of ignition.
- Handling
Avoid dust formation, and use sodium methoxide in well-ventilated areas. Wear protective gear, and wash your hands thoroughly after handling.
- Reaction with water
Sodium methoxide reacts with water to form sodium hydroxide and methyl alcohol. This reaction can be dangerous and may ignite surrounding materials.