Skip to main content

Sodium Ethoxide

ADVERTISEMENT
Identification
Molecular formula
C2H5NaO
CAS number
141-52-6
IUPAC name
sodium;ethanolate
State
State

At room temperature, sodium ethoxide is typically found as a solid. It has a tendency to absorb moisture from the air due to its hygroscopic nature, and can therefore be somewhat challenging to handle without proper storage conditions to maintain its stability.

Melting point (Celsius)
260.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
533.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
91.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
364.00
General information
Molecular weight
68.05g/mol
Molar mass
68.0540g/mol
Density
0.8680g/cm3
Appearence

Sodium ethoxide appears as a white to light yellowish powder. It is often found in a solid form and it can exhibit highly hygroscopic properties, meaning it will absorb moisture from the air. Upon exposure to atmospheric moisture, it tends to form sodium hydroxide and ethanol.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Sodium Ethanolate

Sodium ethanolate, chemically represented as NaC2H5O, is a fascinating compound with notable solubility characteristics. Here are some key points regarding its solubility:

  • Highly Soluble in Polar Solvents: Sodium ethanolate readily dissolves in polar solvents such as water and alcohols due to its ionic nature, facilitating strong interactions with solvent molecules.
  • Solubility in Water: When dissolved in water, it typically generates a clear and colorless solution, indicative of its ability to dissociate evenly into sodium ions (Na+) and ethanolate ions (C2H5O-).
  • Influence of Temperature: The solubility of sodium ethanolate can increase with temperature, which is common in many ionic compounds, allowing for greater dissolution rates as thermal energy disrupts solvation shells.
  • Limited Solubility in Non-Polar Solvents: Conversely, sodium ethanolate exhibits poor solubility in non-polar solvents such as benzene or hexane, where ionic interactions are less favored.

Overall, sodium ethanolate's solubility profile highlights the significance of polarity in solvent selection, making it an interesting compound for various chemical applications. As with many compounds, understanding the solubility can offer insights into its reactivity and potential uses in different chemical environments.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Sodium Ethoxide

Sodium ethoxide, often represented as sodium ethanolate, is a fascinating compound with a variety of applications in organic chemistry and industry. Here are some intriguing insights about this compound:

  • Versatile Reagent: Sodium ethoxide is commonly used as a strong base in organic synthesis. It plays a crucial role in reactions such as saponification, deprotonation, and in the formation of enolates, which are key intermediates in the synthesis of various organic compounds.
  • Application in Ethanol Production: As an ethoxide, it serves as a significant catalyst in the dehydrogenation of ethanol to produce acetaldehyde, demonstrating its importance in the biochemical pathways and industrial processes that deal with alcohol.
  • Important in Green Chemistry: Sodium ethoxide is also valued for its environmental benefits, serving as a non-toxic alternative to many hazardous bases traditionally used in organic reactions, thus contributing to the principles of green chemistry.
  • Formation of Anionic Species: When sodium ethoxide acts as a base, it readily deprotonates weak acids to form anions. The production of these reactive anionic species is crucial in various chemical transformations.
  • Historical Significance: The compound has been instrumental since the early days of organic chemistry, allowing chemists to develop the methodologies and reactions that have shaped modern organic synthesis.

To sum up, sodium ethoxide is not just a simple chemical compound; it is a vital tool for chemists that embodies the intersection of synthetic utility and environmental responsibility. Its unique properties make it an indispensable component in many laboratory processes.