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Sodium Methylate, Sodium Methoxide, Sodium Methanolate, 124-41-4

Sodium Methylate, Sodium Methoxide, Sodium Methanolate, 124-41-4

SODIUM METHYLATE (SODIUM METHOXIDE)

PRODUCT IDENTIFIER INFORMATION

Parameter Information
Product Name Sodium Methylate (Sodium Methoxide)
Chemical Name (IUPAC) Sodium Methanolate
CAS Number 124-41-4
EC Number (EINECS) 204-699-5
Molecular Formula CH3ONa
Molecular Weight 54.02 g/mol

SECTION 1: CHEMICAL IDENTITY AND DESCRIPTION

Parameter Information
Chemical Name (IUPAC) Sodium Methanolate
Systematic Name Sodium Methoxide
Synonyms Sodium Methylate, Sodium Methanolate, Sodium Methoxide
Abbreviations NaOMe, SM
CAS Number 124-41-4
EC Number (EINECS) 204-699-5
Molecular Formula CH3ONa
Molecular Weight 54.02 g/mol
Chemical Class Alkali metal alkoxide
Physical State (20°C) Solid (white hygroscopic powder or crystals) or solution in methanol
Odor Characteristic, alcohol-like
Taste Not applicable (toxic and corrosive)

SECTION 2: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Property Value Test Method
Appearance (Solid) White hygroscopic powder or crystals Visual
Appearance (Solution, 30%) Clear, colorless to slightly yellowish viscous liquid Visual
Odor Characteristic, alcohol-like Olfactometric
Molecular Weight 54.02 g/mol Calculated
Melting Point (Solid) ~20°C (with decomposition) DSC
Boiling Point (Solution) ~65°C (methanol boiling point) ASTM D86
Density (30% solution, 20°C) ~0.97 g/cm3 ASTM D4052
Solubility in Water Reacts violently; forms NaOH and methanol -
Solubility in Methanol Completely soluble General Method
Solubility in Ethanol Soluble General Method
Hygroscopicity (Solid) Very high; decomposes on contact with moisture Visual
Stability Stable under inert atmosphere; incompatible with moisture and CO2  
Flash Point (30% solution) ~11°C (methanol) ASTM D93

SECTION 3: CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIVITY

Parameter Information
Chemical Character Strong base; nucleophilic reagent; alkoxide
Stability Stable under inert atmosphere (N2/Ar); decomposes with moisture and air
Reaction with Water Violent exothermic reaction: CH3ONa + H2O → CH3OH + NaOH
Reaction with CO2 Forms sodium carbonate; solution efficacy decreases
Reaction with Acids Hazardous reaction with neutralization and gas evolution
Incompatible Materials Water, moisture, CO2, acids, oxidizing agents, halogenated solvents
Hazardous Polymerization Does not occur

SECTION 4: PRODUCTION METHOD

Stage Process Description
1 Reaction Sodium metal + absolute dry methanol: 2Na + 2CH3OH → 2CH3ONa + H2↑
2 Gas Ventilation Hydrogen gas (flammable/explosive) is removed from the system
3 Temperature Control Reaction is exothermic; maintained at 20-30°C
4 Solution Preparation Typically formulated as 30% methanol solution
5 Solid Form Production Solvent removed under vacuum; dried and packaged under inert atmosphere

SECTION 5: SODIUM METHYLATE FORMS AND VARIANTS

Form Description Typical Application
30% Solution (in Methanol) Most common form; liquid, easy to dose Biodiesel production, industrial methylation
25% Solution Lower concentration; preferred in some processes Sensitive organic syntheses
21% Solution Recommended by some manufacturers for stability and safety Pharmaceutical syntheses
Solid Form (Powder/Crystals) White hygroscopic solid; high purity and reactivity Laboratory use, specialized methylation reactions
Anhydrous Form Water-free form; ideal for moisture-sensitive processes Water-sensitive reactions, advanced organic synthesis
Titrant (0.5 M) Titration solution prepared in methanol Analytical chemistry, laboratory titrations

SECTION 6: FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES AND MECHANISM OF ACTION

Property Description
Transesterification Catalyst Catalyzes conversion of triglycerides to methyl esters in biodiesel production
Strong Base Used for proton abstraction and condensation reactions in organic synthesis
Methylating Agent Methylation of alcohols, amines, and active methylene compounds
Nucleophilic Reagent Reacts with carbonyl compounds and alkyl halides
Water-Free Production Environmentally friendly; reduces waste costs; facilitates biodiesel purification
High Reactivity Fast reaction kinetics; high yield with low catalyst loading

SECTION 7: PRIMARY APPLICATION AREAS

Sector / Application Use Typical Concentration / Dosage
Biodiesel Production Transesterification catalyst 0.3 – 1.5% (based on oil weight)
Organic Synthesis - Methylation Methylation reactions Stoichiometric or catalytic
Organic Synthesis - Base Catalysis Condensation, alkylation reactions Variable
Pharmaceutical Industry Methylating agent in API synthesis Process specific
Polymer Production Intermediate in polyoxymethylene production Process specific
Agrochemicals Intermediate in pesticide and fungicide synthesis Process specific
Analytical Chemistry Titrant (0.5 M) Standard solution in titrations

SECTION 8: CHEMICAL COMPATIBILITY TABLE

Material / Environment Compatibility Description
Water (H2O) INCOMPATIBLE Violent reaction; forms methanol and NaOH
Methanol, Ethanol COMPATIBLE Stable in solution form
Non-polar Solvents (Toluene, Hexane) LIMITED Low reactivity, limited solubility
Acids (HCl, H2SO4) INCOMPATIBLE Hazardous reaction with neutralization and gas evolution
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) INCOMPATIBLE Forms sodium carbonate; efficacy decreases
Air / Moisture INCOMPATIBLE Decomposes on contact with moisture
Glass / Stainless Steel COMPATIBLE Suitable for storage and transport
Polyethylene / Polypropylene COMPATIBLE Packaging and container material
PVC / PTFE (Teflon) COMPATIBLE High chemical resistance, no reactivity

SECTION 9: QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS (30% SOLUTION, TECHNICAL GRADE)

Parameter Specification Test Method
Appearance Clear, colorless to slightly yellowish viscous liquid Visual
Sodium Methylate Content (CH3ONa) 29.5 – 31.0% Titrimetric (Acid-Base)
Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) ≤ 0.5% Titrimetric
Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3) ≤ 0.3% Titrimetric
Water Content ≤ 0.3% Karl Fischer Titration
Density (20°C) 0.96 – 0.98 g/cm3 ASTM D4052
Viscosity (20°C) 5 – 15 cP Brookfield

SECTION 10: TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE

Parameter Value
Acute Oral Toxicity (LD50, Rat) ~500-800 mg/kg (toxic)
Skin Irritation Severe irritant, corrosive
Eye Irritation Risk of serious damage
Respiratory Irritation Vapors and dust severely irritate respiratory tract
Carcinogenicity Not classified
Environmental Hazard Harmful to aquatic organisms (pH effect)

SECTION 11: GHS CLASSIFICATION AND LABELING

GHS Classification (compliant with 1272/2008/EC):

Hazard Class Category H-Statement
Flammable Liquid (solution) Category 2 H225
Skin Corrosion/Irritation Category 1B H314
Acute Toxicity (Oral) Category 4 H302
STOT - SE Category 3 H335

Signal Word: DANGER

Hazard Pictograms: GHS02 (Flame), GHS05 (Corrosive), GHS07 (Exclamation Mark)

Hazard Statements (H-Codes):

Code Statement
H225 Highly flammable liquid and vapor
H302 Harmful if swallowed
H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
H335 May cause respiratory irritation

Precautionary Statements (P-Codes):

Code Statement
P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames. No smoking.
P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection
P301+P330+P331 IF SWALLOWED: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting
P303+P361+P353 IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water
P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present
P310 Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor

SECTION 12: FIRST AID MEASURES

Exposure Route Action to Take
Inhalation Move to fresh air. Seek immediate medical attention if respiratory irritation persists.
Skin Contact Remove contaminated clothing immediately. Wash with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Seek immediate medical attention.
Eye Contact Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses if present. Seek immediate medical attention.
Ingestion Rinse mouth with water. Do NOT induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical attention.

SECTION 13: FIREFIGHTING MEASURES

Parameter Information
Fire Hazard Highly flammable liquid (solution); reacts violently with water
Flash Point (30% solution) ~11°C
Hazards During Fire CO, CO2, Na2O, toxic fumes
Suitable Extinguishing Media Dry chemical powder, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media WATER (reacts violently)
Special Protective Equipment Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), full chemical protective clothing
Special Precautions Cool containers with water mist from safe distance; prevent firefighting water from entering environment

SECTION 14: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

Parameter Information
Storage Conditions Cool (15-25°C), dry, well-ventilated area; under inert atmosphere (N2)
Container Requirements Tightly closed, stainless steel or HDPE containers
Keep Away From Moisture, water, CO2, acids, air, heat, ignition sources
Shelf Life 12 months (under appropriate storage conditions)
Stability Note Absolutely avoid contact with moisture and CO2

SECTION 15: PACKAGING OPTIONS

Packaging Type Quantity Material
Stainless steel drum 200 kg Stainless steel
HDPE drum 200 kg HDPE
IBC Container 1000 kg Stainless steel / HDPE

SECTION 16: TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

Parameter Information
UN Number UN 1282 (Sodium Methylate Solution)
Hazard Class 3 (Flammable Liquid) + 8 (Corrosive)
Packing Group II
ADR/RID UN 1282, 3 (8), PG II
IMDG Code UN 1282, Flammable Liquid, Corrosive, 3 (8), PG II
IATA (Air) UN 1282, Flammable Liquid, Corrosive, 3 (8), PG II
Marine Pollutant No
Transport Temperature Ambient; protect from heat and moisture

SECTION 17: REGULATORY STATUS

Region / Authority Status
European Union REACH registered; industrial chemical
USA (EPA/TSCA) Listed; industrial chemical
Turkey Industrial chemical; subject to chemical registration regulations
Food / Cosmetic PROHIBITED – toxic and flammable; not suitable for food or cosmetic use

SECTION 18: SECTORAL SUITABILITY TABLE

Sector Suitability Description
Biodiesel Production MANDATORY 30% methanol solution, the most common catalyst for transesterification
Organic Chemistry / Synthesis COMPATIBLE Widely used intermediate in methylation and base-catalyzed reactions
Pharmaceutical Industry COMPATIBLE Methylating agent in API synthesis
Polymer / Plastic Production LIMITED Intermediate in polyoxymethylene production
Food / Cosmetic PROHIBITED Not permitted due to toxic and flammable properties

SECTION 19: OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS

Type Name
Common Names Sodium Methylate, Sodium Methoxide, Sodium Methanolate
Chemical Names Sodium Methanolate
Abbreviations NaOMe, SM
CAS Number 124-41-4
EC Number 204-699-5

SECTION 20: SUMMARY TABLE

Parameter Value
Product Sodium Methylate (Sodium Methoxide)
CAS Number 124-41-4
Molecular Formula CH3ONa
Molecular Weight 54.02 g/mol
Appearance (Solid) White hygroscopic powder or crystals
Appearance (30% solution) Clear, colorless to slightly yellowish liquid
Primary Function Transesterification catalyst, methylating agent, strong base
Shelf Life 12 months
GHS Signal Word Danger
UN Number UN 1282

SECTION 21: CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

  1. Violent Reaction with Water: Exothermic reaction upon contact with water; forms NaOH and methanol. Absolutely protect from moisture.

  2. Highly Flammable: 30% solution is highly flammable (flash point ~11°C). Keep away from heat and ignition sources.

  3. Corrosive: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Protective equipment is mandatory.

  4. Incompatible with CO2: Forms sodium carbonate with atmospheric CO2; efficacy decreases.

  5. Inert Atmosphere: Store and handle only under nitrogen or argon atmosphere.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

  1. Storage: Store in stainless steel or HDPE tanks under inert atmosphere.

  2. Biodiesel: Use at 0.3-1.5% based on oil weight; work with water-free systems.

  3. Safety: Wear full protective clothing, gloves, goggles, and face shield.

  4. Firefighting: Keep dry chemical powder or CO2 extinguisher available; do NOT use water.

  5. Handling: All equipment must be thoroughly dried before use; purge lines with inert gas.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:

The information provided in this document is presented in good faith based on our current knowledge and experience; however, since all usage conditions are beyond our control, it does not constitute a binding specification or warranty. This Technical Data Sheet is for informational purposes only. Users are obligated to test the suitability for their own applications. For complete safety, storage, handling, transportation, disposal, and regulatory compliance information, refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier.

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