Methoxide
Methoxide is an organic salt, and the simplest alkoxide.
In Organic chemistry, the methoxide ion has a formula of CH3O- and is the conjugate base of methanol.
Sodium methoxide, also referred to as Sodium methylate, is a white powder when pure. It is used as an initiator of an anionic addition polymerization with ethylene oxide, forming a polyether with high molecular weight. The main application[citation needed] of sodium methoxide today is in the production of biodiesel. In this process, vegetable oils or animal fats, which chemically are fatty acid triglycerides, are transesterified with methanol to give fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs).
Sodium methoxide is produced on an industrial scale and available from a number of chemical companies. The major suppliers today are BASF, Degussa, and Interstate Chemical Company.
Sodium methoxide in methanol is a liquid that kills human nerve cells before any pain can be felt. In the event of contact with methoxide, rinse the contacted area with water, seek medical attention immediately.
Making sodium methoxide is dangerous, involving H2 and lots of heat. In addition, the resultant chemical is highly toxic. For this reason, the safety of the design of equipment and workspace should be carefully considered before use, and protective clothing and a respirator should be worn during handling. Only as much as is intended to be used immediately should be created.