NaOCCH33

NaOCCH33 is not a standard chemical notation, but it most likely refers to sodium methoxide, NaOCH3, a sodium alkoxide widely used in organic synthesis. In common practice, the compound is described as sodium methoxide or sodium methylate (MeONa).

Sodium methoxide consists of a sodium cation paired with the methoxide anion (O−CH3). It is a strong base and a nucleophile, commonly employed to deprotonate substrates and to catalyze a range of base-promoted reactions. In industry, it is often supplied as a solid anhydrous material or as a solution in methanol.

Preparation of sodium methoxide is typically achieved by reacting sodium metal with methanol: Na + CH3OH → NaOCH3 + 1/2 H2. It can also be prepared by neutralizing methoxide salts with a suitable base, though the direct reaction of sodium with methanol is the straightforward method. The compound is highly reactive with water and carbon dioxide in air, hydrolyzing to methanol and sodium hydroxide and forming sodium methyl carbonate in the presence of CO2.

Physical properties include a hygroscopic, white to off-white solid, readily soluble in methanol or ethanol, and miscible with many organic solvents. It is stored under dry, inert conditions to prevent moisture uptake and decomposition. In solution (for example, in methanol), it serves as a versatile catalyst for transesterification (notably biodiesel production), esterifications, and various deprotonation steps in synthetic chemistry.

Safety considerations are important: sodium methoxide is caustic and reacts exothermically with water or moisture, releasing heat and methanol. It should be handled with appropriate PPE and stored in a dry, well-ventilated area away from acids and oxidizers.