Sodium methoxide

Sodium methoxide (CAS 124-41-4, EC 204-699-5, HS 29051900) is a strong alkali derived from sodium and methanol, supplied under trade designations including SM 24, SM 28, NM 25, NM 28, and NM 30. It carries no assigned E-code and is classified within the alkalis and bases category.

In pharmaceutical manufacturing, sodium methoxide acts as a base catalyst to drive condensation and transesterification reactions, enabling synthesis of active ingredients at controlled pH. In biodiesel and oleochemical processing, it initiates transesterification of triglycerides with methanol, converting vegetable oils or animal fats into fatty acid methyl esters with high conversion efficiency.

Sodium methoxide is available as a white powder in grades meeting Ph.Eur. and REACH compliance requirements. Procurement teams should confirm grade specification against intended application, particularly where pharmaceutical or food-contact standards apply. Suppliers typically offer this material in sealed moisture-resistant packaging due to its hygroscopic and reactive nature.