Sodium methoxide

Sodium methoxide (CAS 124-41-4), also sold as sodium methylate and abbreviated NaOMe, is a strong alkoxide base used industrially as a catalyst and chemical intermediate.

Where is Sodium methoxide used?

• Biodiesel: catalyzes transesterification of vegetable oils and animal fats, converting triglycerides into fatty acid methyl esters at commercial scale
• Pharmaceuticals: drives condensation and cyclization reactions in API synthesis
• Polymer processing: initiates anionic polymerization and acts as a catalyst precursor for specialty plastics and resins
• Edible oil refining: food-grade sodium methylate removes free fatty acids and adjusts fat and shortening composition
• Its reactivity with esters, fats, and acidic compounds drives transesterification, condensation, and neutralization.
• Used as a condensing agent, strong alkaline catalyst and methoxylating agent in the production of vitamin B1, vitamin A and sulfadiazine.
• Used in glycol ether production.
• Used in the depolymerization of PET.
• A very reactive solid, most often handled in solution.

Good to know: Controlled basicity is critical to yield and purity; high-purity reagents are required for consistent results. Solution concentrations and moisture specifications vary by grade, with pharmaceutical supply typically held to tighter limits.

Formulation notes

• Reacts violently with water.

Typical specification

• The liquid form is a methanol solution with a sodium methoxide content of 27.5% to 31%.
• Available as a white powder with 98% purity.

Regulatory status

• Solution in alcohol is classified as UN 1289, class 3, packing group II/III.
• Classified in Germany as water hazard class 1 (WGK 1).

Storage, packaging and handling

• Attacks many metals, producing flammable/explosive hydrogen gas.
• Should be stored fireproof, dry, cool, well closed, separated from strong oxidants, acids, metals, food and feed.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.