Sodium Methoxide #CAS124-41-4
CAS Number:124-41-4
Chemical Formula:CH3ONa
Synonyms:
Sodium O-methylate
Methanolic Sodium Methoxide
Sodium O-methylate
Appearance:White to slightly yellow powder
MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity): 1 FCL (Full Container Load)
Sodium Methoxide #CAS124-41-4
Sodium Methoxide (CAS No. 124-41-4) is a strong organic base and an important catalyst widely used in the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, biodiesel, and fine chemical industries. It is commonly employed in transesterification, condensation, and alkoxylation reactions. Due to its high reactivity and strong basicity, sodium methoxide is one of the most important catalysts in organic synthesis.
Due to its highly reactive nature, Sodium Methoxide should be handled with appropriate safety precautions. Direct contact with moisture, water, acids, and oxidizing agents should be avoided. Proper personal protective equipment should be worn during handling, and storage areas should be cool, dry, and well ventilated.
With its outstanding catalytic activity, versatility, and broad range of industrial applications, Sodium Methoxide remains one of the most valuable chemical reagents for modern chemical manufacturing and sustainable energy
In the pharmaceutical industry, Sodium Methoxide is extensively utilized in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), vitamins, antibiotics, and other pharmaceutical intermediates. In the agrochemical sector, it serves as an essential reagent in the manufacture of herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and specialty crop protection chemicals. Additionally, it is widely employed in the production of fragrances, dyes, pigments, surfactants, and other fine chemical products.
Application of Sodium Methoxide
Sodium Methoxide is a highly reactive strong base and one of the most important industrial catalysts in modern chemical manufacturing. Due to its excellent catalytic performance and strong alkalinity, it is widely used across multiple industries, particularly in large-scale organic synthesis and energy-related chemical processes.
One of the largest application areas of Sodium Methoxide is biodiesel production. It is used as a catalyst in the transesterification reaction between vegetable oils (or animal fats) and methanol, producing fatty acid methyl esters (FAME), which are the main components of biodiesel.
Sodium Methoxide is widely used in pharmaceutical synthesis as a strong base and reaction catalyst. It plays an important role in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and key intermediates.
Typical applications include alkylation, condensation, and rearrangement reactions. It is also used in the synthesis of vitamins, antibiotics, and various high-value pharmaceutical compounds.
Sodium Methoxide – Chemical Properties
Basic Information
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Sodium Methoxide |
| Synonyms | Sodium Methylate, Sodium Methanolate |
| CAS No. | 124-41-4 |
| Molecular Formula | CH₃ONa |
| Molecular Weight | 54.02 g/mol |
| EINECS | 204-699-5 |
| UN Number | 1431 (solid) |
| HS Code | 2815.12 / 2905.19 (varies by form) |
Physical Properties
| Item | Property |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to slightly yellow powder |
| Odor | Slight methanol odor |
| Melting Point | ~127–129 °C |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes) |
| Density | ~1.28 g/cm³ |
| Bulk Density | ~500–700 kg/m³ (approx.) |
| Solubility | Soluble in methanol, ethanol |
| Water Solubility | Reacts violently with water |
| Hygroscopicity | Highly hygroscopic |
| pH | Strongly alkaline |
Chemical Properties
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Reactivity with Water | Decomposes to methanol and NaOH |
| Reaction Formula | CH₃ONa + H₂O → CH₃OH + NaOH |
| Acid Reaction | Neutralization with acids to form salts |
| Stability | Stable under dry conditions |
| Sensitivity | Sensitive to moisture and CO₂ |
| Incompatibility | Water, acids, oxidizing agents |
Storage Conditions
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature | Cool and dry conditions |
| Recommended Storage | Sealed container under inert atmosphere |
| Conditions to Avoid | Moisture, air exposure, acids |
| Shelf Life | 12–24 months (sealed, dry storage) |
Safety Information
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Hazard Class | 4.2 / Corrosive substance |
| Risk | Highly reactive with water, corrosive |
| Handling | Use protective gloves, goggles, and ventilation |
| UN Classification | Dangerous goods |
Applications
| Industry | Application |
|---|---|
| Biodiesel | Catalyst for transesterification (FAME production) |
| Pharmaceuticals | API and intermediate synthesis |
| Agrochemicals | Herbicides, insecticides, fungicides production |
| Fine Chemicals | Organic synthesis catalyst |
| Dyes & Pigments | Intermediate reactions |
| Fragrance Industry | Aromatic compound synthesis |
| Polymer Industry | Catalyst and modifier |
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