Sodium Methoxide

H251: Self-heating; may catch fire [Danger Self-heating substances and mixtures]

H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation]

P235, P260, P264, P280, P301+P330+P331, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P321, P363, P405, P407, P410, P413, P420, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 0.3% (2 of 630) of reports.

H228 (41.9%): Flammable solid [Danger Flammable solids]

H251 (91.9%): Self-heating; may catch fire [Danger Self-heating substances and mixtures]

H290 (49.8%): May be corrosive to metals [Warning Corrosive to Metals]

H302 (57.8%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]

H314 (99.7%): Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation]

H318 (42.7%): Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

P210, P234, P235, P240, P241, P260, P264, P264+P265, P270, P280, P301+P317, P301+P330+P331, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P317, P321, P330, P363, P370+P378, P390, P405, P406, P407, P410, P413, P420, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 630 reports by companies from 30 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 2 of 630 reports by companies.

There are 29 notifications provided by 628 of 630 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

H228: Flammable solid [Danger Flammable solids]

H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]

H318: Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]

P210, P235, P240, P241, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P301+P317, P301+P330+P331, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P317, P319, P321, P330, P363, P370+P378, P403+P233, P405, P407, P410, P413, P420, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer immediately for medical attention.

First rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, then remove contaminated clothes and rinse again. Refer immediately for medical attention.

Rinse with plenty of water (remove contact lenses if easily possible). Refer immediately for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer immediately for medical attention.

Get medical attention at once following all exposures to this compound.

INHALATION: remove victim from contamination and keep him quiet and warm. Rest is essential. Hot tea or coffee may be given as a stimulant if patient is conscious. If breathing has apparently ceased, give artificial respiration. If available, oxygen should be administered by experienced personnel.

EYES: wash well with water, then with 3% boric acid solution and additional water washes.

SKIN: wash well with water, then with dilute vinegar.

INGESTION: if victim is conscious, induce vomiting by administering a glassful of warm water containing a teaspoon full of salt; repeat until vomit is clear, then give two teaspoons of baking soda every 15 min.; keep victim's eyes covered until all visual and retinal changes have disappeared; alert physician to possibility of methyl alcohol poisoning. (USCG, 1999)

General First Aid:

· Call 911 or emergency medical service.

· Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.

· Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.

· Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.

· If victim is not breathing:

-- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.

-- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).

-- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.

· Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.

· For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.

· In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.

· For severe burns, immediate medical attention is required.

· Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact) to substance may be delayed.

· Keep victim calm and warm.

· Keep victim under observation.

· For further assistance, contact your local Poison Control Center.

· Note: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) should be done by trained professionals.

Specific First Aid:

· In case of contact with substance, wipe from skin immediately; flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.

In Canada, an Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP) may be required for this product. Please consult the shipping paper and/or the "ERAP" section.

· For corrosives, in case of contact, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 30 minutes. Additional flushing may be required.

· In case of burns, immediately cool affected skin for as long as possible with cold water. Do not remove clothing if adhering to skin.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 138 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable Gases)]:

DO NOT USE WATER OR FOAM.

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, soda ash, lime or sand.

LARGE FIRE: DRY sand, dry chemical, soda ash or lime or withdraw from area and let fire burn. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

FIRE INVOLVING METALS OR POWDERS (ALUMINUM, LITHIUM, MAGNESIUM, ETC.): Use dry chemical, DRY sand, sodium chloride powder, graphite powder or class D extinguishers; in addition, for Lithium you may use Lith-X® powder or copper powder. Also, see ERG Guide 170.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. (ERG, 2024)

NO water. NO hydrous agents. Use dry powder, dry sand. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. NO direct contact with water.

If material on fire or involved in fire: Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. Use "alcohol" foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Do not use water on material itself. /Sodium methylate solutions/

If material on fire or involved in fire: Do not use water. Use dry chemical or carbon dioxide.

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· Keep unauthorized personnel away.

· Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.

· Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.

· Do not touch or walk through spilled material.

· Stop leak if you can do it without risk.

· Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material.

· DO NOT GET WATER on spilled substance or inside containers.

Small Spill

· Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain.

· Dike for later disposal; do not apply water unless directed to do so.

Powder Spill

· Cover powder spill with plastic sheet or tarp to minimize spreading and keep powder dry.

· DO NOT CLEAN-UP OR DISPOSE OF, EXCEPT UNDER SUPERVISION OF A SPECIALIST.

· All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded.

· Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.

· A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors.

· Absorb with earth, sand or other non-combustible material.

· For hydrazine, absorb with DRY sand or inert absorbent (vermiculite or absorbent pads).

· Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect absorbed material.

Large Spill

· Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal.

· Water spray may reduce vapor, but may not prevent ignition in closed spaces.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 138 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable Gases)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)

Immediate precautionary measure

· Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

· Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).

· If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.

· Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.

· For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.

· For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

Remove all ignition sources. Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. Cover the spilled material with dry sand. Sweep spilled substance into covered dry plastic containers. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Do NOT wash away into sewer.

Spillage disposal: Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Do NOT wash away into sewer. Sweep spilled substance into clean and dry containers. Do NOT absorb in saw-dust or other combustible absorbents. Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus.

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

If material not on fire and not involved in fire: Keep sparks, flames, and other sources of ignition away. Keep material out of water sources and sewers. build dikes to contain flow as necessary. Attempt to stop leak if without undue personnel hazard. Use water spray to knock-down vapors. Do not use water on material itself. /Sodium methylate solutions/

If material not on fire and not involved in fire: Do not use water. Keep sparks flames, and other sources of ignition away. Keep material out of water sources and sewers. Keep material dry.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 138 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable Gases)]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. DO NOT GET WATER on spilled substance or inside containers.

SMALL SPILL: Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Dike for later disposal; do not apply water unless directed to do so.

POWDER SPILL: Cover powder spill with plastic sheet or tarp to minimize spreading and keep powder dry. DO NOT CLEAN-UP OR DISPOSE OF, EXCEPT UNDER SUPERVISION OF A SPECIALIST. (ERG, 2024)

Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants, acids, metals and food and feedstuffs. Dry. Cool. Well closed. Store in an area having corrosion resistant concrete floor. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.

Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants, strong acids, food and feedstuffs. Cool. Dry.

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

· Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE.

· Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection.

5.1 [mg/m3]

56 [mg/m3]

330 [mg/m3]

· DO NOT USE WATER OR FOAM.

Small Fire

· Dry chemical, soda ash, lime or sand.

Large Fire

· DRY sand, dry chemical, soda ash or lime or withdraw from area and let fire burn.

· If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

Fire Involving Metals or Powders (Aluminum, Lithium, Magnesium, etc.)

· Use dry chemical, DRY sand, sodium chloride powder, graphite powder or class D extinguishers; in addition, for Lithium you may use Lith-X® powder or copper powder. Also, see GUIDE 170.

Fire Involving Tanks, Rail Tank Cars or Highway Tanks

· Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles.

· Do not get water inside containers.

· Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.

· Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank.

· ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames.

· Some of these materials may react violently with water.

· Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or alcohol-resistant foam.

· Water spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam.

· Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.

· For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn.

A harmful concentration of airborne particles can be reached quickly when dispersed.

The substance is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation may cause lung oedema, but only after initial corrosive effects on eyes and/or airways have become manifest.

Self-contained breathing apparatus; rubber gloves and apron; goggles or face shield. (USCG, 1999)

NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. NO contact with water.

AVOID ALL CONTACT! IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!

Use local exhaust and breathing protection.

Protective gloves. Protective clothing.

Wear face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.

Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.

Sodium methylate is a white amorphous powder. It reacts with water to form sodium hydroxide, a corrosive material, and methyl alcohol, a flammable liquid. The heat from this reaction may be sufficient to ignite surrounding combustible material or the sodium methylate itself if the water is present in only small amounts. It is used to process edible fats and oils, and to make other chemicals.

CBI; Dry Powder; Liquid; Liquid; Other Solid

White hygroscopic solid; [ICSC] White to yellowish solid; Commercial products are powders or solutions in methanol; [Reference #2] White powder; [Aldrich MSDS]

WHITE HYGROSCOPIC POWDER.

Amorphous, free flowing powder

Tetragonal crystals

Melting point (decomposes) = 127 °C

Melting point: decomp. Soluble in cold water. Soluble in methanol. /Solvated form/

No melting point; decomposes at >50 °C

Soluble in ethanol, methanol

Soluble in fats, esters

Insoluble in hydrocarbons and most common organic solvents

Solubility in water: reaction

greater than 1 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999)

Dec by water. Apparent density of solvent-free material is approximately 4.6 lb/gal

Density: 0.45 g/mL at 20 °C, apparent density (packing weight) 0.60 g/mL

1.3 g/cm³

Sensitive to air and moisture

Decomposed by water

Decomposes in air above 126 °C.

When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of /sodium oxide/.

Decomposed in air above 260 °F

Energy of decomp (in range 410 to 460 °C) measured as 0.77 kJ/g.

Decomposes in air above 127 °C

Reacts violently with water forming flammable methanol and corrosive sodium hydroxide

White powder /Solvated form/

Metals -> Metal Alkoxides

Flammable agents - 4th degree

Reactive agents - 2nd degree

Ignites in moist air [Wischmeyer 1966]. with moist air, autoignition is possible; strong reducing agent; reacts with light metals forming H2 gas, with fire and explosion hazards; reacts violently with water to form methanol and sodium hydroxide, and with acids, causing hazard of methanol ignition [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980 p. 850].

Bases, Strong

Strong Reducing Agent

Water-Reactive

Pyrophoric

SODIUM METHYLATE is a strong base. Reacts with light metals forming H2 gas, with fire and explosion hazards. Too rapid addition of sodium methylate to a mixture of chloroform and methanol initiated an uncontrolled exothermic reaction between the chloroform and the methylate that caused a violent explosion [MCA Case History 693 1961]. Sodium methoxide is incompatible with 4-chloronitrobenzene and fluorinated cyclopropenyl methyl ethers, such as perfluoromethoxycyclopropene. The reactions are vigorous and may initiate ignition [Bretherick, 5th Ed., 1995].

/With water/ produces a caustic soda soln and soln of methyl alcohol. The reaction is not violent.

Sodium methylate, as it was being added to a mixture of perchloryl fluoride and methyl alcohol, underwent an explosive reaction with perchloryl fluoride in the vapor phase above the liquid. When the sodium methylate and methyl alcohol were mixed before the addition of perchloryl fluoride, no explosion occurred.

For preparation of methyl orthoformate, solid sodium methoxide, methanol and chloroform were mixed together. The mixture boiled violently and then exploded ... The explosion was caused by the addition of the solid sodium methoxide as one portion.

Addition of the chloro cmpd /4-chloronitrobenzene/ to a soln of sodium methoxide in methanol caused an unusually exothermic reaction ot occur. The lid of the 450 L vessel was blown off, and a fire and explosion followed. No cause for the unusual vigor of the reaction was found.

For more Hazardous Reactivities and Incompatibilities (Complete) data for SODIUM METHOXIDE (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Serious local effects by all routes of exposure.

Sore throat. Cough. Burning sensation. Shortness of breath. Laboured breathing.

Redness. Pain. Serious skin burns.

Redness. Pain. Blurred vision. Severe deep burns.

Burns in mouth and throat. Burning sensation in the throat and chest. Shock or collapse.

Dermatotoxin - Skin burns.

Toxic Pneumonitis - Inflammation of the lungs induced by inhalation of metal fumes or toxic gases and vapors.

LD50 Rat dermal >2000 mg/kg bw

LD50 Rat oral 800 mg/kg bw

LD50 Mouse ip 40 mg/kg bw

The symptoms of lung edema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. Immediate administration of an appropriate inhalation therapy by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered.

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Solution contains /the hydrolysis product/ methyl alcohol, and is toxic and corrosive to tissue.

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Ingestion causes irritation of mouth and stomach.

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Corrosive. The substance is corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Inhalation of dusts may cause lung edema. The effects may be delayed.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ In a rabbit eye irritation test, a 30% solution in methanol was corrosive.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ A 30% solution in methanol was corrosive to rabbit skin.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Corrosive in a rabbit skin irritation test. An 80% aqueous preparation was examined. Since sodium methoxide hydrolyzes rapidly in water to NaOH and methanol, the corrosive action was the result of the NaOH.

LC50 Leuciscus idus (Ide) 346 mg/L/48 hr; static

This substance may be hazardous to the environment. Special attention should be given to aquatic organisms.

LC50 Leuciscus idus (Ide) 346 mg/L/48 hr; static

This substance may be hazardous to the environment. Special attention should be given to aquatic organisms.

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

/GUIDE 132: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS - CORROSIVE/ Fire or Explosion: Flammable/combustible materials. May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water. /Sodium methylate, solution in alcohol/

/GUIDE 132: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS - CORROSIVE/ Health: May cause toxic effects if inhaled or ingested/swallowed. Contact with substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution. /Sodium methylate, solution in alcohol/

/GUIDE 132: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS - CORROSIVE/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number ... . As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low areas. Ventilate closed spaces before entering. /Sodium methylate, solution in alcohol/

/GUIDE 132: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS - CORROSIVE/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection. Structural firefighters' protective clothing is recommended for fire situations ONLY; it is not effective in spill situations where direct contact with the substance is possible. /Sodium methylate, solution in alcohol/

For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for SODIUM METHOXIDE (16 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

UN 1431; Sodium methylate

UN 1289; Sodium methylate solutions in alcohol

IMO 3.2; Sodium methylate solutions in alcohol

IMO 4.2; Sodium methylate

49 352 64; Sodium methylate, alcohol mixture

49 131 90; Sodium methylate, alcohol mixture

49 092 90; Sodium methylate, mixture

49 164 61; Sodium methylate, dry

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials.

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article.

Spontaneously Combustible Corrosive

Airtight. Unbreakable packaging. Put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.

Symbol: F, C; R: 11-14-34; S: (1/2)-8-16-26-43-45

UN Hazard Class: 4.2; UN Subsidiary Risks: 8; UN Pack Group: II