CH3CH2ONa
CH3CH2ONa, commonly known as sodium ethoxide, is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula CH3CH2ONa. It is a strong organic base and a white, hygroscopic solid that is highly reactive with water. Sodium ethoxide is typically prepared by reacting sodium metal with absolute ethanol (CH3CH2OH) in an anhydrous environment, as it readily absorbs moisture from the air.
This compound is primarily used as a catalyst in various organic synthesis reactions, particularly in the form
Sodium ethoxide is highly reactive and can cause severe skin and eye irritation upon contact. It is
Due to its strong basicity, sodium ethoxide is often used in conjunction with other reagents in organic