What is a Sodium ethoxide (NaOEt)?

Sodium ethoxide (NaOEt) is an inorganic compound formed by the reaction of sodium with ethanol (ethyl alcohol). It is a strong base and exists as a white or grayish-white solid at room temperature, highly soluble in ethanol. It reacts rapidly with water to produce sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and ethanol, which makes it necessary to handle with care to avoid moisture exposure.

Sodium ethoxide is widely used as a reagent in organic chemistry, particularly in ester synthesis, dehydration reactions of alcohols, and proton abstraction reactions (removal of an acidic hydrogen atom). This allows for the synthesis of various organic compounds. Additionally, sodium ethoxide is employed in the synthesis of aliphatic compounds and in chemical modifications.

※Includes information on some trading companies