Should Sodium Methoxide be specified as solid or as a methanol solution?

They are not equivalent on an as-supplied weight basis. A methanol solution is defined by sodium methoxide concentration and methanol content, while solid material avoids added solvent. The required active basis and process feed arrangement should be agreed before selection.

Why are water and sodium carbonate important in Sodium Methoxide specifications?

Water and carbon-dioxide exposure reduce the available alkoxide and lead to hydroxide or carbonate species. Confirm the active-content basis, water and carbonate limits, and test methods because these values affect catalyst charge and reaction consistency.

Can Sodium Methoxide be replaced directly by sodium hydroxide or potassium methoxide?

No. These bases differ in alkoxide identity, molar mass, solubility and the salts they create in the process. A catalyst change requires a revised molar charge and assessment in the intended reaction system, not an equal-weight substitution.

Sodium Methoxide (NaOMe) CAS 124-41-4

Sodium Methoxide (NaOMe, CAS 124-41-4), also known as sodium methylate or sodium methanolate, is a strong alkoxide base used in biodiesel transesterification, organic synthesis and other base-catalyzed reactions. The supplied form, concentration and grade should be confirmed before use. COA, TDS and SDS may be provided for the confirmed grade. Send the required specification, quantity, packaging and destination for review and quotation.

CAS: 124-41-4
Synonyms: Sodium methoxide; sodium methylate; sodium methanolate; NaOMe
Einecs: 204-699-5
Molecular Formula: CH3ONa
Grade: Solid Sodium Methoxide or Sodium Methoxide solution in methanol; confirm concentration and specification
Package: Confirm packaging for the selected form, concentration and destination

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Product Description

Product Overview

Sodium Methoxide is a strong alkoxide base used as a catalyst, reagent and chemical intermediate. Commercial products may be solid material or a solution in methanol; the required form and concentration must be specified.

Basic Information

Parameter	Details
Chemical Name	Sodium Methoxide
CAS Number	124-41-4
Synonyms	Methanol, sodium salt; Sodium methylate
Molecular Formula	CH₃ONa
Molecular Weight	54.02 g/mol
EINECS Number	204-699-5
Appearance	White to off-white solid, or a clear methanol solution depending on the supplied form and concentration
Purity	Confirm solid assay or solution concentration, methanol content, water and carbonate with the applicable test methods.
Melting Point	127–128°C
Boiling Point	Decomposes
Density	Form- and concentration-dependent; confirm density and test temperature in the supplied TDS.
Solubility	Soluble in methanol, ethanol; reacts with water
Storage Conditions	Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place; protect from moisture
Packaging	Confirm packaging for the selected form, concentration and destination
Grade	Solid Sodium Methoxide or Sodium Methoxide solution in methanol; confirm concentration and specification

Key Properties

Strong base and nucleophile
Highly reactive with water and air (moisture-sensitive)
Effective transesterification catalyst
Supply form and concentration must be confirmed before purchase.

Applications

Sodium Methoxide is widely used in:

Biodiesel Production
- Acts as a transesterification catalyst to convert vegetable oils or animal fats into methyl esters (biodiesel)
Pharmaceutical Industry
- Used as a reagent or base in pharmaceutical and fine-chemical synthesis when the required grade and impurity profile are confirmed.
Agrochemicals
- Involved in the production of herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides
Organic Synthesis
- Used for deprotonation, condensation, and alkylation reactions
Polymer & Fine Chemicals Manufacturing

Safety & Handling

Reacts violently with water and moisture, releasing methanol and heat
Handle under inert gas or dry atmosphere
Use proper PPE: gloves, goggles, and protective clothing
Refer to the supplied SDS before handling

FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain

Q:
Should Sodium Methoxide be specified as solid or as a methanol solution?

A: They are not equivalent on an as-supplied weight basis. A methanol solution is defined by sodium methoxide concentration and methanol content, while solid material avoids added solvent. The required active basis and process feed arrangement should be agreed before selection.
Q:
Why are water and sodium carbonate important in Sodium Methoxide specifications?

A: Water and carbon-dioxide exposure reduce the available alkoxide and lead to hydroxide or carbonate species. Confirm the active-content basis, water and carbonate limits, and test methods because these values affect catalyst charge and reaction consistency.
Q:
Can Sodium Methoxide be replaced directly by sodium hydroxide or potassium methoxide?

A: No. These bases differ in alkoxide identity, molar mass, solubility and the salts they create in the process. A catalyst change requires a revised molar charge and assessment in the intended reaction system, not an equal-weight substitution.

Ordering & Documentation

Key information for document requests, quotations, and supply planning.

Documents

COA, TDS, SDS/MSDS and packing details are available on request.

Quotation

Send the CAS number, grade, quantity, packing preference and destination.

Sample & Supply

Support is available for samples, trial orders, bulk and repeat supply.

Storage & Shipping

Product-specific conditions are confirmed before order.

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