Sodium methylate
Agent Name
Sodium methylate
Alternative Name
Sodium methoxide
CAS Number
124-41-4
Formula
C-H4-O.Na
Major Category
Metals
Synonyms
Sodium methoxide; Feldalat NM; Methanol, sodium salt; Methoxysodium; Methylate de sodium [French]; Metilato sodico [Spanish]; Sodium methanolate; Sodium methylate solutions in alcohol; [ChemIDplus] UN1431; UN1289 (solution in alcohol)
Category
Metal Alkoxides
Description
White hygroscopic solid; [ICSC] White to yellowish solid; Commercial products are powders or solutions in methanol; [Reference #2] White powder; [Aldrich MSDS]
Sources/Uses
Used in organic synthesis, as alkaline catalyst (making biodiesel grade methyl esters and for treatment of edible fats and oils), in condensation reactions, as analytical reagent, and as intermediate for pharmaceuticals; [HSDB]
Comments
Highly toxic; [Quick CPC] Corrosive to skin; High inhalation exposure of dust may cause pulmonary edema; [ICSC] A strong base that reacts with water to form sodium hydroxide and methyl alcohol, a reaction that may generate enough heat to ignite combustible materials; [CAMEO] Rapidly and exothermically reacts with tissue water forming sodium hydroxide (responsible for corrosivity) and methanol; Oral LD50s (rat) range from 800-1,687 mg/kg with water or water soluble solvents as the vehicle, and is 2,037 mg/kg using corn oil; No toxicity observed in 8-hr inhalation study of rats in a dust enriched atmosphere; Not likely to cause skin sensitization or be carcinogenic; [Reference #2] See "Methyl alcohol." See "Sodium hydroxide.";
Reference Link #1
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Explanatory Notes
Melting point (decomposes) = 127 degrees C; [ICSC] The Guide in the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "Sodium methylate, dry."
Reference Link #2
NFPA
high ambient temp required
Adverse Effects
Toxic Pneumonitis
Yes
Dermatotoxin
Skin burns
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Other Information
No other related information on this agent was found.