Propanolates

Propanolates (also propoxides , outdated propylates ) are salts of propanols and belong to the group of alcoholates . The propanolate ions result from the deprotonation of the OH group . Propanolates can be formed from 1-propanol as well as from 2-propanol (isopropanol).

Propanolates react violently with water, forming an alkaline solution and the corresponding alcohol:

${\displaystyle \mathrm {CH_{3}CH_{2}CH_{2}ONa+H_{2}O\longrightarrow CH_{3}CH_{2}CH_{2}OH+NaOH(aq)} }$

Manufacturing

Natriumpropanolat can, for example, 1-propanol and sodium are synthesized:

${\displaystyle \mathrm {2\ CH_{3}CH_{2}CH_{2}OH+2\ Na\longrightarrow 2\ (CH_{3}CH_{2}CH_{2}O^{-})Na^{+}+H_{2}} }$

During production it is important that anhydrous propanol is used and that the starting materials are both cooled and are cooled during the reaction, since the reaction is exothermic . Good ventilation or, better still, a fume cupboard is mandatory because hydrogen is produced.

Special properties and benefits

Like all alcoholates , propanolates are strong bases, the pKa value is ~ 26.