Sodium Methoxide

Synonym(s):Sodium methoxide, Sodium methanolate;Sodium methylate

CAS NO.：124-41-4
Empirical Formula: CH3NaO
Molecular Weight: 54.02
MDL number: MFCD00012179
EINECS: 204-699-5
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)
Update Date: 2025-09-25 17:15:13

What is Sodium Methoxide?

The Uses of Sodium Methoxide

Sodium Methoxide

To a solution of the alcohol (A) (86 mg, 482 umol) in anhydrous THF (5 mL) at RT was added NaH (60% dispersion on mineral oil, 21 mg, 526 umol), and the mixture was stirred at RT for 15 min. The aryl chloride (B) (150 mg, 439 umol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 45 min, then 80 C for 2 h. H2O and sat aq NaHCO3 were added and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc, washed with brine, dried (Na2SO4), and concentrated. The resulting material was purified by silica gel column chromatography (0-25% EtOAc/cyclohexane) to provide the product. [137 mg]

General Description

Sodium methylate is a white amorphous powder. It reacts with water to form sodium hydroxide, a corrosive material, and methyl alcohol, a flammable liquid. The heat from this reaction may be sufficient to ignite surrounding combustible material or the sodium methylate itself if the water is present in only small amounts. It is used to process edible fats and oils, and to make other chemicals.

Properties of Sodium Methoxide

Melting point:	-98 °C
Boiling point:	65 °C
Density	0.97 g/mL at 20 °C
vapor density	1.1 (vs air)
vapor pressure	50 mm Hg ( 20 °C)
refractive index	1.3700
Flash point:	11 °C
storage temp.	Store at +5°C to +30°C.
solubility	Miscible with ethanol, methanol, fats and esters.Immiscible with hydrocarbons and organic solvents.
form	Powder
appearance	White solid
pka	15.17[at 20 ℃]
Specific Gravity	0.945
color	, clarity of solution to pass
explosive limit	36%
Water Solubility	reacts
Sensitive	Moisture Sensitive
Hydrolytic Sensitivity	8: reacts rapidly with moisture, water, protic solvents
Merck	14,8643
BRN	3592982
Exposure limits	ACGIH: Ceiling 2 mg/m3 OSHA: TWA 2 mg/m3 NIOSH: IDLH 10 mg/m3; Ceiling 2 mg/m3
Dielectric constant	1.5（Ambient）
Stability:	Stability Highly flammable. Reacts violently with water. Keep container dry. Incompatible with water, acids, chlorinated solvents.
CAS DataBase Reference	124-41-4(CAS DataBase Reference)
NIST Chemistry Reference	Sodium methoxide(124-41-4)
EPA Substance Registry System	Sodium methoxide (124-41-4)

Safety information for Sodium Methoxide

Signal word	Danger
Pictogram(s)	Flame Flammables GHS02 Corrosion Corrosives GHS05 Exclamation Mark Irritant GHS07
GHS Hazard Statements	H228:Flammable solids H251:Self-heating substances and mixtures H290:Corrosive to Metals H302:Acute toxicity,oral H314:Skin corrosion/irritation
Precautionary Statement Codes	P210:Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. — No smoking. P235:Keep cool. P260:Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P280:Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P303+P361+P353:IF ON SKIN (or hair): Remove/Take off Immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse SKIN with water/shower. P305+P351+P338:IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continuerinsing.