Alcohol catalyzed alkali metal production
 |
This article is a stub. Please help Sciencemadness Wiki by expanding it, adding pictures, and improving existing text.
|
The alcohol catalyzed alkali metal production is an accessible route to obtaining alkali metals, such as sodium and potassium, by reducing their respective hydroxides in a suitable solvent, with magnesium metal, using a tertiary alcohol as catalyst.
This method was first brought to the attention of the general public by NurdRage in late December 2011. Sine then many other amateurs have tried their own version, with various success.
Contents
Summary
The general procedure requires the use of an inert high boiling point solvent, alkali metal hydroxide, metallic magnesium flakes or powder and a tertiary alcohol as catalyst. The reaction is done at high temperatures, usually around 200 °C and requires several hours for to obtain a good yield.
Procedure and performance for each alkali metal
Lithium
No tests have been done so far, it likely doesn't work due to lithium's high reactivity.
Sodium
Tetralin cannot be used as solvent, as sodium is too reactive. Mineral oil must be used as solvent.
Potassium
Works if a tertiary alcohol is used as catalyst. Tetralin can be used as solvent.
Rubidium
Not tested so far.
Caesium
Not tested so far.
Main challenges
Glassware destruction
Sodium hydroxide will etch glass.
Water interference
The small amount of water present in the NaOH and KOH will lower the yield.
Choice of catalyst
Tertiary alcohols lacking a double or triple bond are the only ones that give good yield.
