Sodium methoxide is used as a base and a reagent in organic chemistry. It is useful in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. It acts as a nucleophile and is used in the production of methyl ethers. It serves as an initiator of anionic addition polymerization with ethylene oxide, forming a polyether with high molecular weight. It is involved in the production of biodiesel from vegetable oils and animal fats.
This Thermo Scientific Chemicals brand product was originally part of the Alfa Aesar product portfolio. Some documentation and label information may refer to the legacy brand. The original Alfa Aesar product / item code or SKU reference has not changed as a part of the brand transition to Thermo Scientific Chemicals.
Applications
Sodium methoxide is used as a base and a reagent in organic chemistry. It is useful in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. It acts as a nucleophile and is used in the production of methyl ethers. It serves as an initiator of anionic addition polymerization with ethylene oxide, forming a polyether with high molecular weight. It is involved in the production of biodiesel from vegetable oils and animal fats.
Solubility
Miscible with ethanol, methanol, fats and esters.Immiscible with hydrocarbons and organic solvents.
Notes
Air, moisture and heat sensitive. Incompatible with acids, acid chlorides, acid anhydrides, oxidizing agents, alkali metals, chlorinated solvents, water and reducing agents.
RUO – Research Use Only
General References:
- Zeng, D.; Li, R.; Feng, M.; Fang, T. Continuous Esterification of Free Fatty Acids in Crude Biodiesel by an Integrated Process of Supercritical Methanol and Sodium Methoxide Catalyst. Appl. Biochem. Biotechnol. 2014, 174 (4), 1484-1495.
- Wuke, L.; Weijiang, Z.; Jiao, X.; Lei, Z. Study of the reaction between boron trifluoride methanol complex and sodium methoxide. J. Coord. Chem. 2014, 67 (9), 1530-1540.