Methoxide NaOMe Solution / Solid CAS 124-41-4
- CAS: 124-41-4
- Synonyms: Sodium methylate; Methanolate sodium
- EINECS No.: 204-699-5
- Molecular Formula: CH₃ONa
- Grade: 30% / 31% Solution; Solid
- Packaging: 25 kg / 50 kg drums, 200 kg drums, 1,000 L IBC
Description
Tree Chem manufactures Sodium Methoxide (CAS 124-41-4) for industrial and renewable energy sectors requiring reliable catalysts and intermediates. This strong organic base is widely used in biodiesel transesterification, pharmaceutical synthesis, and fine chemical production. Tree Chem cooperates with biodiesel manufacturers globally, providing customized catalyst solutions that improve conversion efficiency and reduce reaction time. Stable quality, quick dissolution, and consistent performance make our Sodium Methoxide a preferred choice for both biofuel and technical processes. For quotations or detailed specifications, please contact rocket@cntreechem.com.
Specification
Basic Information
| Item | Specification |
| CAS No. | 124-41-4 |
| Synonyms | Methanolate sodium; Sodium methylate |
| Abbreviation | NaOMe |
| Molecular Formula | CH₃ONa |
| Molecular Weight | 54.02 g/mol |
| EINECS No. | 204-699-5 |
| Grade | Industrial / Biofuel / Electronic |
Technical Specification
| Parameter | Solution | Solid |
| Total Alkalinity, % | ≥28.50 – 31.00 | ≥99.00 |
| Free Alkali, % | ≤0.40 | ≤1.50 |
| Sodium Methoxide, % | – | ≥97.00 |
| Sodium Carbonate, % | – | ≤0.50 |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid | White or off-white powder |
| Packing Standard | 200 kg drum | 25 kg cardboard bucket / 100 kg zinc-plated bucket |
Tree Chem, committed to independent innovation and development, is a leading manufacturer of sodium methoxide, boasting robust production capabilities and a comprehensive range of specifications. Furthermore, Tree Chem boasts a wealth of reference cases in the biodiesel catalysis field. For inquiries, please contact our technical engineers at rocket@cntreechem.com.
Applications
Synthesis of Vitamin B₁ (Thiamine):
First, 28% liquid sodium methoxide is added dropwise to a premixing kettle at low temperature and premixed with the measured amounts of aminopropionitrile and methyl formate. The premix is then pressurized into a medium-pressure autoclave and reacted with CO for 6 hours. Finally, the mixture is cooled and transferred to a transfer tank, where it is centrifuged and vacuum-dried to obtain the sodium substitute. In a pyrimidine hydrolysis kettle, formyl pyrimidine is added to 30% liquid caustic soda and hydrolyzed at 115-120°C for 1 hour. After cooling to 70°C, the mixture is transferred to a condensation kettle (to which methanol and liquid caustic soda have been added) and then cooled to 30°C. Throughout the synthesis, sodium methoxide provides both alkaline catalysis and cyclization, ensuring the integrity of the vitamin B₁ molecular structure.
Synthesis of Vitamin A:
In the synthesis of vitamin A, sodium methoxide is primarily used for the synthesis of isophytol and the conversion of retinal. In the synthesis of isophytol, the sodium methoxide-catalyzed condensation reaction is a key step in constructing the terpenoid carbon skeleton. The strong alkalinity of sodium methoxide effectively promotes the aldol condensation reaction between aldehydes and ketones, forming the desired carbon-carbon bond.
Sodium methoxide can also catalyze the production of sulfonamides, such as sulfadiazine, sulfamethoxazole, and sulfonamide synergists (trimethoprim). Other drugs include antibiotics (penicillins, cephalosporins), sedatives and antiepileptic drugs (phenobarbital), cardiovascular drugs (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), and steroid hormones.
Glyphosate synthesis:
First, chlorine gas reacts with yellow phosphorus to form phosphorus trichloride. Then, phosphorus trichloride reacts with methanol under the catalysis of sodium methoxide to form dimethyl phosphite. Dimethyl phosphite further reacts with raw materials such as paraformaldehyde and aminoacetic acid under specific conditions. Through depolymerization, addition, condensation, and hydrolysis, glyphosate is ultimately obtained.
Synthesis of Organophosphorus Insecticides:
Organophosphorus insecticides typically contain methoxy (CH₃O-) or ethoxy (C₂H₅O-) groups in their molecular structures. The introduction of these groups often requires the participation of sodium methoxide. Sodium methoxide can act as both a nucleophile and a basic catalyst in the reaction.
For example, in the synthesis of acephate, sodium methoxide participates in the key methoxylation reaction. Acephate is a highly effective, low-toxic, broad-spectrum systemic organophosphorus insecticide, making it an ideal alternative to highly toxic insecticides such as methamide. During its synthesis, the sodium methoxide-catalyzed reaction ensures the precise introduction of methoxy groups, thereby guaranteeing the product’s insecticidal activity.
Biodiesel Production:
Sodium methoxide plays an irreplaceable and core role in biodiesel production and is currently one of the most widely used homogeneous catalysts in biodiesel production. Biodiesel production is primarily achieved through transesterification (transesterification), where vegetable oils or animal fats react with methanol in the presence of a catalyst to produce fatty acid methyl esters (biodiesel) and glycerol. Using sodium methoxide as a catalyst offers many distinct advantages, including high catalytic efficiency, high catalytic activity, and rapid reaction speed, typically achieving efficient conversion at temperatures of 60-70°C. Side reactions are rare. Compared to other alkaline catalysts, sodium methoxide does not introduce water molecules, thus avoiding saponification. Product quality is high, and biodiesel produced using sodium methoxide catalysis is high-purity, with easy glycerol separation. The process is mature and proven by long-term industrial practice, making the sodium methoxide catalytic process a proven and reliable technology.
Lithium battery electrolyte production:
With the booming new energy vehicle industry, demand for lithium battery electrolytes has increased dramatically. Sodium methoxide plays a vital role in the production of lithium battery electrolyte solvents. In the synthesis of traditional electrolyte solvents such as dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), sodium methoxide acts as a catalyst in the key transesterification reaction. Furthermore, recent technological advances demonstrate that through the “carbon-negative industry chain” of “CO2 capture and utilization – green methanol – new energy materials,” CO2 emitted from petrochemical production can be captured and reacted with hydrogen to form methanol, which can then be used to manufacture lithium battery electrolyte solvents and photovoltaic film materials. This innovative technology not only reduces carbon emissions but also provides a sustainable source of raw materials for the production of new energy materials.
Sodium methoxide also plays an indispensable role in other applications, such as the synthesis of anthraquinone dye intermediates, the Hansa Yellow series of dyes, methyl violet (Methyl Violet), and tartrazine (Food Yellow No. 5). Other applications include flavors and fragrances, polymer materials, organic synthesis intermediates, nanotechnology and new materials, biotechnology and bioengineering, and more. transmittance of glass to over 92%. It is suitable for manufacturing high-end products such as camera lenses, laser windows, and optical fiber preforms.
Electronic glass manufacturing (high-purity): High-purity potassium nitrate plays a key role in the chemical tempering process for products such as mobile phone glass, tablet touchscreens, and smartwatches.
CRT and display manufacturing (electronic-grade potassium nitrate): Electronic-grade potassium nitrate is used to manufacture the phosphors that display images on cathode ray tube (CRT) screens, providing vibrant colors and high-resolution images. In CRT production, potassium nitrate is a key raw material for the tube glass envelope, ensuring its high strength and excellent optical properties.
Solar Photovoltaic (electronic Grade Potassium Nitrate): In the production of photovoltaic glass, high-purity potassium nitrate is used as a flux and clarifier, which can improve the transparency and mechanical strength of the glass. The potassium nitrate products produced by Xinjiang Saltpeter Company are pure natural, non-agglomerated, high in purity, and low in chloride ions and heavy metals. They are widely used in photovoltaic glass manufacturing and other fields.
Aerospace component heat treatment: High-purity potassium nitrate is used for quenching aircraft components, heat exchanger components, and high-speed tool steel.
Bearing Heat Treatment: A mixed salt of 50% potassium nitrate and 50% sodium nitrite is widely used, particularly for quenching GCr15 steel bearings.
Electroless Plating and Surface Treatment: Potassium nitrate is used as an oxidant and catalyst. In processes such as electroless nickel and copper plating, potassium nitrate provides the necessary oxidizing environment.
Traditional Ceramic Glazes: Potassium nitrate acts as a flux, lowering the melting temperature of the glaze and improving its gloss and transparency.
Fine and Specialty Ceramics: High-purity potassium nitrate not only acts as a flux but also participates in the formation of the ceramic material’s crystal structure, significantly impacting its performance.
Agriculture: Production of high-end compound fertilizers, water-soluble fertilizers, and fertilizers for specialty crops, as well as its application in organic farming.
Storage & Handling
- Store in tightly sealed stainless steel or aluminum containers under dry inert gas (nitrogen or argon).
- Protect from moisture and water — Sodium Methoxide reacts violently with water and acids.
- Keep away from heat, ignition sources, and oxidizers.
- Use explosion-proof equipment and ensure proper ventilation during transfer.
- Always wear gloves, goggles, and protective clothing when handling.
Usage Notice
- Store in tightly sealed stainless steel or aluminum containers under dry inert gas (nitrogen or argon).
- Protect from moisture and water — Sodium Methoxide reacts violently with water and acids.
- Keep away from heat, ignition sources, and oxidizers.
- Use explosion-proof equipment and ensure proper ventilation during transfer.
- Always wear gloves, goggles, and protective clothing when handling.
Packaging
- 25 kg cardboard bucket
- 200 kg drum
- 1,000 L IBC tanks
- ISO tank containers for bulk shipments
- 100 kg zinc-plated bucket
- Each package labeled with product name, lot number, and manufacturing date



