Applications
Sodium ethoxide is used as a strong base in organic synthesis. It is actively involved in the 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. It is widely used as a base for the generation of carbanions which are utilized for alkylation and condensation reactions.

Solubility
Soluble in ethanol and methanol.

Notes
Moisture sensitive. It undergoes hydrolysis rapidly to form sodium hydroxide in the presence of moist air. Incompatible with water, strong bases, acids, oxidizing agents, alkali metals, strong oxidizing agents, ammonia, acid chlorides, acid anhydrides, reducing agents, peroxides, acids and chlorinated solvents.