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Sodium butoxide

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Identification
Molecular formula
C4H9NaO
CAS number
2186-64-3
IUPAC name
sodium;butan-1-olate
State
State

Sodium butoxide is typically found as a solid at room temperature.

Melting point (Celsius)
180.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
453.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
140.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
413.15
General information
Molecular weight
96.13g/mol
Molar mass
96.1270g/mol
Density
0.9350g/cm3
Appearence

Sodium butoxide typically appears as a white to off-white powder. It is characterized by its hygroscopic nature, meaning it can absorb moisture from the atmosphere.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Sodium Butan-1-olate

Sodium butan-1-olate, also known as sodium butylate, is a chemical compound that exhibits interesting solubility characteristics. This compound is a salt formed from the deprotonation of butan-1-ol by sodium hydroxide. Its solubility can be summarized as follows:

  • Water Solubility: Sodium butan-1-olate is highly soluble in water. This is primarily due to the ionic nature of the sodium ion (Na+) and its interaction with the polar water molecules.
  • Alcohols: It is also soluble in various alcohols, particularly those with similar lengths of carbon chains, which helps dissolve the organic ion component of the compound.
  • Organic Solvents: While sodium butan-1-olate is predominantly soluble in polar solvents, its solubility in non-polar solvents is significantly lower or negligible due to the lack of ionic interactions.

In summary, sodium butan-1-olate's solubility in aqueous systems makes it a valuable reagent in synthetic organic chemistry. As noted, the ability of the sodium ion to stabilize the compound in solution through hydration contributes significantly to its practical applications. Thus, "like dissolves like" is an essential principle to remember when considering the solubility of sodium butan-1-olate in various solvents.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Sodium Butan-1-olate

Sodium butan-1-olate, an organosodium compound, is an interesting chemical with various applications in both industrial and research settings. Here are some notable facts about this compound:

  • Structure and Reactivity: Sodium butan-1-olate consists of a sodium ion and a butan-1-olate ion, making it a strong base and an important nucleophile in organic synthesis.
  • Uses in Organic Synthesis: It plays a significant role in the synthesis of various organic compounds, especially in creating carbon-carbon bonds, which are essential in forming complex molecules.
  • Solvents and Reaction Medium: As a salt, sodium butan-1-olate can often facilitate reactions by serving as a solvent and thereby affecting the reaction kinetics.
  • Environmental Impact: Sodium butan-1-olate is considered less hazardous compared to some other organometallic compounds, making it an environmentally friendly option for certain reactions.
  • Educational Insight: In educational settings, studying sodium butan-1-olate allows students and researchers to explore the nature of alkoxides, the behavior of alkali metals in solutions, and organic reaction mechanisms.

In conclusion, sodium butan-1-olate is not just a simple chemical; it opens the door to a wealth of scientific exploration and practical application. As with many organic compounds, understanding its properties and reactivity can lead to significant advancements in chemical synthesis!