Sodium Dispersion

Name:
Sodium Dispersion
Detailed information:
A stable suspension of microscopic sodium particles in a hydrocarbon or other medium boiling at temperatures above the melting point of sodium (97.5C), e.g., heptane, n-octane, toluene, xylene, naphtha, kerosene, mineral oil, n-butyl ether, etc. Particles range in size from submicron to 30 µm depending on the method of preparation. Dispersions contain up to 50% (by weight) of sodium metal.

Hazard:

Flammable, dangerous fire risk. To extinguish use dry soda ash, sodium chloride, or graphite, followed by carbon dioxide. Do not use carbon tetrachloride.

Use:

For chemical reactions where advantages of controlled reaction rate, lower reaction temperature, increased yields, or substitution for more expensive reagent can be achieved, as in, removal of sulfur from hydrocarbons and petroleum, metal powders, sodium hydride, alcohol-free alcoholates, phenylsodium.