Potassium methoxide

Potassium methoxide (CAS 865-33-8), also sold as potassium methylate or potassium methanolate, is a strong alkoxide base used primarily as a catalyst and reagent in industrial chemical synthesis.

Where is Potassium methoxide used?

• Pharmaceutical manufacturing: drives condensation and cyclization to produce active pharmaceutical ingredients and intermediates
• Biodiesel production: transesterification catalyst converting triglycerides into fatty acid methyl esters
• Agrochemical synthesis: supports production of herbicides and pesticides
• Polymer chemistry: initiates anionic polymerization
• It also catalyzes the production of specialty polyesters and polyethers.

Good to know: Its high reactivity in non-aqueous systems suits processes requiring fast, selective reactions.

Commercial specifications

• Solution in methanol, concentrations typically 25% to 32%
• Dry powder or free-flowing solid for solvent-free handling
• Packaging from drums to IBC totes