Sodium Methaoxide

SODIUM METHOXIDE

Sodium Methoxide is an important chemical intermediate prominently used as a catalyst in Bio-diesel manufacture and is also used substantially in the manufacture of Bulk Drug / Pharmaceuticals, Dyestuff and Agro Chemicals.

Sodium Methoxide is produced by the reaction of Caustic Soda and Methanol as under:

NaOH + CH₃OH → NaOCH₃ + H₂O
Sodium Methoxide

Sodium Methoxide can be manufactured by two processes:

• Reaction of sodium metal with methanol
  This process is very hazardous as Sodium metal is highly reactive and has led to fire and explosions in many facilities.
• Reaction of Sodium Hydroxide (Flakes / Lye) with Methanol
  In this process water formed in the reaction is continuously removed under controlled conditions. Caustic Soda lye can also be used as a starting material instead of Flakes but need higher utility consumptions for removal of excess water.

ATEC offers the technological know-how, basic design / detailed engineering for Sodium Hydroxide (Flakes) based process due to its improved safety aspects.