What Is Sodium Methoxide?

2026-09-07

Sodium methoxide is an organic compound with the chemical formula CH₃ONa. It typically exists in the form of a powder or solution and is classified as a hazardous chemical due to its corrosive and spontaneously combustible properties. It is primarily used in the pharmaceutical industry and in organic synthesis as a condensing agent, chemical reagent, and catalyst for the processing of edible oils and fats.
Liquid sodium methoxide is a colourless or slightly yellow viscous liquid. It is highly sensitive to oxygen. It is flammable and explosive and readily absorbs moisture. It is highly soluble in methanol and ethanol; when exposed to water, it decomposes into methanol and sodium hydroxide. It decomposes in air at 126.6°C. It is insoluble in benzene and toluene. It is strongly irritating and highly corrosive. Sodium methoxide can be used as a condensing agent, a strong base catalyst, and a methoxylating agent in the preparation of drugs such as vitamin B1, vitamin A, and sulfadiazine. It is rarely used in the production of pesticides. It can also serve as a catalyst in the processing of edible fats and oils (particularly lard). It is used as an analytical reagent.
Solid sodium methoxide is a colourless, amorphous powder. It is sensitive to oxygen and flammable. It is highly soluble in methanol and ethanol and decomposes upon contact with water to form methanol and sodium hydroxide. It decomposes in air at 126.6°C. It is primarily used in the production of sulfonamide drugs, vitamin B6, and vitamin A. Sodium methoxide is an organic synthesis catalyst. It is used in the production of pesticides and in the petroleum processing industry.

Properties

Melting point	-98°C
Boiling point	65°C
Density	0.97 g/mL at 20°C
bulk density	500-600 kg/m³
vapour density	1.1 (vs air)
vapour pressure	50 mm Hg (20°C)
refractive index	1.3700
Flash point	11°C
storage temp.	Store at +5°C to +30°C.
solubility	Miscible with ethanol, methanol, fats and esters. Immiscible with hydrocarbons and organic solvents.
form	Powder
pka	15.17 [at 20℃]
Specific Gravity	0.945
colour	clarity
PH	11 (20°C, 20 g/L in H₂O)
explosive limit	36%
Water Solubility	reacts
Sensitive	Moisture Sensitive

Risk and Safety Statements

Symbol (GHS)	GHS02, GHS05
Signal word	Danger
Hazard statements	H303-H314-H251
Precautionary statements	P501-P260-P235+P410-P264-P280-P312-P303+P361+P353-P301+P330 +P331-P363-P304+P340+P310-P305+P351+P338+P310-P407-P420-P413-P405
PPE	Eyeshields, face shields, gloves, type P3 (EN 143) respirator cartridges
Hazard Codes	F, T, C
Risk Statements	11-23/24/25-34-39/23/24/25-36/38-14-36/37/38-22-10
Safety Statements	8-16-26-43-45-7-36/37-7/8-36/37/39
WGK Germany	1
F	9-21
Autoignition Temperature	878°F
HazardClass	4.2
PackingGroup	II
Storage Class	4.2 - Pyrophoric and self-heating hazardous materials

What Is Sodium Methoxide Used For?

1. Sodium methoxide has a wide range of applications and is primarily used in the production of sulfonamide drugs and other substances.
2. It serves as a basic condensing agent and catalyst in organic synthesis, is used in the synthesis of fragrances and dyes, and is a raw material for vitamins B1 and A, as well as sulfadiazine.
3. It is used as a raw material for pharmaceuticals and pesticides and is an important raw material in the synthesis of drugs such as sulfamidine, co-trimoxazole, and sulfonamide potentiators.
4. It is used as a catalyst in the processing of edible fats and oils (particularly lard) to alter the fat structure, making them suitable for use in products such as margarine; it must be removed from the final food product.