Sodium methoxide

The resulting solution, which is colorless, is often used as a source of sodium methoxide, but the pure material can be isolated by evaporation followed by heating to remove residual methanol.

[4] Sodium methoxide is a routinely used base in organic chemistry, applicable to the synthesis of numerous compounds ranging from pharmaceuticals to agrichemicals.

[6] Sodium methoxide is used as an initiator of anionic addition polymerization with ethylene oxide, forming a polyether with high molecular weight.

Sodium methoxide acts as a catalyst for this reaction, but will combine with any free fatty acids present in the oil/fat feedstock to form soap byproducts.

[citation needed] Commercial batches of sodium methoxide show variable levels of degradation, and were a major source of irreproducibility when used in Suzuki reactions.

NFPA 704 four-colored diamond Health 3: Short exposure could cause serious temporary or residual injury. E.g. chlorine gas Flammability 4: Will rapidly or completely vaporize at normal atmospheric pressure and temperature, or is readily dispersed in air and will burn readily. Flash point below 23 °C (73 °F). E.g. propane Instability 3: Capable of detonation or explosive decomposition but requires a strong initiating source, must be heated under confinement before initiation, reacts explosively with water, or will detonate if severely shocked. E.g. hydrogen peroxide Special hazards (white): no code
NFPA 704 four-colored diamond Health 3: Short exposure could cause serious temporary or residual injury. E.g. chlorine gas Flammability 4: Will rapidly or completely vaporize at normal atmospheric pressure and temperature, or is readily dispersed in air and will burn readily. Flash point below 23 °C (73 °F). E.g. propane Instability 2: Undergoes violent chemical change at elevated temperatures and pressures, reacts violently with water, or may form explosive mixtures with water. E.g. white phosphorus Special hazards (white): no code
NFPA 704 four-colored diamond Health 3: Short exposure could cause serious temporary or residual injury. E.g. chlorine gas Flammability 3: Liquids and solids that can be ignited under almost all ambient temperature conditions. Flash point between 23 and 38 °C (73 and 100 °F). E.g. gasoline Instability 2: Undergoes violent chemical change at elevated temperatures and pressures, reacts violently with water, or may form explosive mixtures with water. E.g. white phosphorus Special hazards (white): no code
NFPA 704 four-colored diamond Health 3: Short exposure could cause serious temporary or residual injury. E.g. chlorine gas Flammability 2: Must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high ambient temperature before ignition can occur. Flash point between 38 and 93 °C (100 and 200 °F). E.g. diesel fuel Instability 2: Undergoes violent chemical change at elevated temperatures and pressures, reacts violently with water, or may form explosive mixtures with water. E.g. white phosphorus Special hazards (white): no code
NFPA 704 four-colored diamond Health 2: Intense or continued but not chronic exposure could cause temporary incapacitation or possible residual injury. E.g. chloroform Flammability 2: Must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high ambient temperature before ignition can occur. Flash point between 38 and 93 °C (100 and 200 °F). E.g. diesel fuel Instability 2: Undergoes violent chemical change at elevated temperatures and pressures, reacts violently with water, or may form explosive mixtures with water. E.g. white phosphorus Special hazards (white): no code