General Description
A colorless cloudy white liquid consisting of sodium methylate, a solid, dissolved in methyl alcohol. Density 9.0 lb/gal. Corrosive to metals and tissue. Used to process edible fats and oils and to make other chemicals.
Reactivity Profile
SODIUM METHYLATE is a strong base. Reacts with light metals forming H2 gas, with fire and explosion hazards. Too rapid addition of sodium methylate to a mixture of chloroform and methanol initiated an uncontrolled exothermic reaction between the chloroform and the methylate that caused a violent explosion [MCA Case History 693 1961]. Sodium methoxide is incompatible with 4-chloronitrobenzene and fluorinated cyclopropenyl methyl ethers, such as perfluoromethoxycyclopropene. The reactions are vigorous and may initiate ignition [Bretherick, 1995, pg. 191].
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Ignites in moist air [Wischmeyer 1966]. Reacts with water to produce a mixed solution of sodium hydroxide and methyl alcohol.
Hazard
(Solid) Flammable when exposed to heat
or flame. (Solution) Flammable, moderate fire risk.
Health Hazard
TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution.
Fire Hazard
Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated.
Flammability and Explosibility
Flammable
Purification Methods
It behaves in the same way as sodium ethoxide. It is hygroscopic and is hydrolysed by moist air to NaOH and MeOH. Material that has been kept under N2 should be used. If erratic results are obtained, even with recently purchased NaOMe, it should be freshly prepared thus: Clean Na (37g) cut in 1-3g pieces is added in small portions to stirred MeOH (800mL) in a 2L three-necked flask equipped with a stirrer and a condenser with a drying tube. After all the Na has dissolved, the MeOH is removed by distillation under vacuum, and the residual NaOMe is dried by heating at 150o under vacuum and kept under dry N2 [Burness Org Synth 39 51 1959]. [Beilstein 1 IV 1227.]