Sodium ethoxide (Sodium ethoxide 20% solution)

Chemical nature

White or yellowish powder; hygroscopic; darkens and decomposes on exposure to air; decomposes in water forming sodium hydroxide and ethanol; dissolves in absolute ethanol.Reacts violently with acids, water. Incompatible with chlorinated solvents, moisture. Absorbs carbon dioxide from the air. Highly flammable.

Applications

Sodium ethoxide is used in organic synthesis for condensation reactions. It also is a catalyst in many organic reactions.

Sodium ethoxide, 21% w/w in ethanol is used as a strong base in organic synthesis. It finds application in various chemical reactions such as condensation, esterification, alkoxylation and etherifcation. It is actively involved in Claisen condensation, Stobbe reaction and Wolf-kishner reduction. It is an important starting material for the synthesis of ethyl ester and diethyl ester of malonic acid. In Williamson ether synthesis, it reacts with ethyl bromide to form diethyl ether.

Shelf life

According to our experience, the product can be stored for 12 months from the date of delivery if kept in tightly sealed containers, protected from light and heat and stored at temperatures between 5 - 30°C.

HazardClass

4.2

PackingGroup

II

Typical properties

Melting point

260 °C

Boiling point

91°C

density

0.868 g/mL at 25 °C

vapor density

1.6 (vs air)

vapor pressure

<0.1 mm Hg ( 20 °C)

refractive index

n20/D 1.386

Fp

48 °F

storage temp.

Store at +15°C to +25°C.

solubility

Soluble in ethanol and methanol.

form

Liquid

Specific Gravity

0.868

color

Yellow to brown

PH

13 (5g/l, H2O, 20℃)

Water Solubility

Miscible

Sensitive

Moisture Sensitive