Ethanolates

Ethanolates are a class of chemical compounds characterized by the presence of an ethoxide ion, which has the chemical formula CH3CH2O-. This ion is the conjugate base of ethanol. Ethanolates are typically formed by the reaction of an alkali metal, such as sodium or potassium, with ethanol. The reaction generates the corresponding alkali metal ethoxide and hydrogen gas. For example, the reaction of sodium with ethanol yields sodium ethoxide (CH3CH2ONa) and hydrogen gas.

These compounds are strong bases and are often used as reagents in organic synthesis. Their basicity stems from the ethoxide ion's ability to abstract a proton from other molecules. Sodium ethoxide is a common example, frequently employed in reactions like the Williamson ether synthesis and dehydrohalogenation. Due to their reactivity, ethanolates are usually prepared in situ or handled with care, often under an inert atmosphere to prevent reaction with atmospheric moisture and carbon dioxide. They are soluble in ethanol and some other organic solvents.