phenyl sodium 25%soln.inheptane

Chemical Properties

phenyl sodium is a strong alkali reagent, active nature, often suspended in aromatic solvents used. It is easy to absorb oxygen and carbon dioxide, and decomposes violently in contact with water. Insoluble in hydrocarbons and reacts with ethers; can be solubilized as complexes, e.g. with N, N, N′, N′′, N′′-Pentamethyldiethylenetriamine. Also forms more soluble complexes, but with modified reactivity, with phenyllithium, diphenylmagnesium, and magnesium 2-ethoxyethoxide.

Preparation

It can be produced by reacting chlorobenzene with sodium metal in benzene solvent.

Precautions

It reacts explosively with air and violently with water; hydrolysis gives benzene (a carcinogen) and sodium hydroxide (a corrosive). It must be handled in an inert atmosphere under strictly anhydrous conditions.