Sodium ethoxide

Sodium ethoxide

Names
IUPAC name Sodium ethoxide
Other names Ethoxysodium Sodium ethylate
Properties
Chemical formula	C2H5ONa
Molar mass	68.05 g/mol
Appearance	White crystalline solid
Odor	Odorless (pure) Alcoholic (hydrolyzed)
Density	0.868 g/cm3 (of a 21 wt% solution in ethanol)
Melting point	260 °C (500 °F; 533 K)
Boiling point	Decomposes
Solubility in water	Reacts
Solubility	Reacts with carboxylic acids Soluble in ethanol, methanol
Vapor pressure	0.75 mmHg (20 °C)
Acidity (pKa)	15.5
Hazards
Safety data sheet	Sigma-Aldrich
Flash point	30 °C (closed cup)
Related compounds
Related compounds	Sodium methoxide
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Sodium ethoxide (C₂H₅ONa) is a white to yellowish powder, which readily hydrolyzes in water and moist air.

Properties

Chemical

Sodium ethoxide readily hydrolyzes in contact with water, releasing lots of heat.

Physical

Sodium ethoxide is a colorless solid, which reacts with water.

Availability

Sodium ethoxide is sold by chemical suppliers.

Preparation

Sodium ethoxide can be prepared by adding sodium metal to anhydrous ethanol. Cooling the solution will cause the compound the crystallize. Do this reaction in a dry atmosphere, to limit hydrolysis.

Projects

• Make esters

Handling

Safety

Sodium ethoxide is caustic and contact with skin will cause chemical burns. Reaction with water will give ethanol and lots of heat, which may ignite the alcohol vapors.

Storage

Sodium ethoxide should be stored in air-tight containers, or in a desiccator. Schlenk flasks are a good choice.

Disposal

Sodium ethoxide can be neutralized by dissolving it in large amounts of water slowly, then neutralize the resulting sodium hydroxide. Sodium bicarbonate can be used.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads

• Sodium Ethoxide and anhydrous EtOH
• Sodium ethoxide with NaOH and ethanol
• Sodium ethoxide purification?
• FORMATION OF SODIUM ETHOXIDE : CH3CH2ONa