CH3SO3Na

CH3SO3Na, commonly known as sodium methanesulfonate or sodium mesylate, is the sodium salt of methanesulfonic acid. Its chemical formula is CH3SO3Na, and its approximate molecular weight is 118.1 g/mol. In solid form it appears as a white crystalline substance and is highly soluble in water.

Chemical structure and properties: The anion part is the mesylate ion (CH3SO3−). Because methanesulfonic acid is a strong acid, its conjugate base is a weak base, and aqueous solutions of sodium methanesulfonate are essentially neutral. The salt is typically stable under normal laboratory conditions, and it is highly soluble in water and miscible with many polar solvents, while remaining largely insoluble in nonpolar solvents.

Preparation and availability: Sodium methanesulfonate can be prepared by neutralizing methanesulfonic acid with sodium hydroxide or other sodium bases. It is available commercially from chemical suppliers and is used as a source of the mesylate counterion and as a supporting electrolyte in various chemical applications.

Uses: In organic synthesis, mesylate derivatives are important leaving groups; sodium methanesulfonate serves as a convenient source of the mesylate moiety in preparation workflows and as a highly water-soluble salt that can act as a counterion or reagent in certain reactions. It is also employed as a supporting electrolyte in electrochemical studies and some analytical procedures due to its strong acid salt characteristics and water solubility.

Safety: Sodium methanesulfonate is generally considered of low to moderate hazard. It can cause irritation to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract upon exposure. Handle with appropriate protective equipment, work in a well-ventilated area, and store in a cool, dry place away from incompatible materials.