Inorganic Acids & Bases
REACH
Sodium ethoxide
CAS Number
141-52-6
EC Number
205-487-5
Abbreviation
NaOEt
Industries: Pharma & Healthcare
What is Sodium ethoxide?
Sodium ethoxide (CAS 141-52-6), also sold as sodium ethylate, is a strong alkoxide base used as a catalyst and reagent in pharmaceutical synthesis and specialty chemical manufacturing.
Where is Sodium ethoxide used?
- Pharmaceutical synthesis: catalyst for APIs including barbiturates, sulfonamides and vitamin B1
- Agrochemicals: base catalyst in herbicides and pesticide intermediates
- Biodiesel: transesterification catalyst converting triglycerides to fatty acid ethyl esters
- Specialty chemicals: Claisen condensations
- It drives condensation, cyclization and transesterification reactions.
Good to know: The solution grade is the most commercially prevalent form; dry powder grades suit moisture-sensitive, anhydrous processes.
Commercial specifications
- Solution in ethanol, typically 20–21% concentration
Other Names (Synonyms)
sodium ethylate|NaOEt|caustic alcohol|SODIUM ETHANOLATE|Ethanol, sodium salt|Ethyl alcohol, sodium salt|1I9504387J|Ethanol, sodium salt (1:1)
What are the physical properties of Sodium ethoxide?
Melting Point 260 °C
Boiling Point 91°C
Density 0.868 g/cm³
Flash Point 48 °F
Appearance White powder, sometimes having brownish tinge; readily hydrolyzes to alcohol and sodium hydroxide.
Color Yellow to brown
Form Liquid
Water Solubility Miscible
Vapor Pressure <0.1 mm Hg ( 20 °C)
Refractive Index n 20/D 1.386
pH 13 (5g/l, H2O, 20℃)
How is Sodium ethoxide classified and handled safely? Learn More
Danger
GHS02· Flammable GHS05· Corrosive
Hazard Statements
H228 Flammable solid
H251 Self-heating; may catch fire
H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
H318 Causes serious eye damage
Precautionary Statements
P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
P235 Keep cool.
P240 Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
P241 Use explosion-proof [electrical/ventilating/lighting/…] equipment.
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Sodium ethoxide?
HS Code 29051900
UN Number 3274
ADR Class 3
Packing Group II
Storage Class 4.2 - Pyrophoric and self-heating hazardous materials
WGK (Germany) 1