Sodium

Abstract

[7440-23-5] Na (MW 22.99) InChI = 1S/Na InChIKey = KEAYESYHFKHZAL-UHFFFAOYSA-N (powerful one-electron reducing agent for most functional groups;1 reductively couples ketones and esters to unsaturated carbon atoms;2 reductively eliminates and couples halogens and other groups; can be used to generate alkoxides) Physical Data: mp 97.8 °C; d 0.968 g cm−3. Solubility: sol liquid NH3; slightly sol ethereal solvents; dec in alcohols; reacts violently in H2O. Form Supplied in: silver-white or gray solid in brick, stick, or ingot form; more commonly as 3–8 mm spheres or as a dispersion in various inert oils. Purification: surface oxide can be removed by heating in toluene;3 oxide impurities can usually be ignored. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: the dry solid quickly oxidizes when exposed to air and in very moist air is potentially flammable. The highly corrosive sodium vapor ignites spontaneously in air, and is a severe irritant to eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. Utmost care should be taken to keep sodium away from halogenated solvents, oxidants, and aqueous mineral acids. Fires should be quenched with a dry powder such as Na2CO3, NaCl, or NaF; water, CO2, Halon, and silica gel should be avoided. Excess sodium is best disposed of by slow introduction into a flask of isopropanol, possibly containing 1% water, taking care to vent liberated H2, and neutralizing the resulting solution with aqueous acid. Sodium stored under oil is best weighed by rinsing freshly cut pieces with hexane and after evaporation adding to a tared beaker containing hexane.