Product Description
Sodium amide (NaNH₂) is a white to greenish crystalline powder with an ammonia-like odor. It has a molecular weight of 39.01, a melting point of 210°C, and a boiling point of approximately 400°C. It reacts readily with water to form sodium hydroxide and ammonia and is slightly soluble in liquid ammonia. It also reacts slowly with alcohols.
Sodium amide readily absorbs moisture and carbon dioxide from the air, so it must be stored in sealed containers. It is a highly reactive, corrosive, flammable, and hygroscopic compound. Contact with its dust may irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
In organic synthesis, sodium amide is widely used as an aminating agent, dehydrating agent, and condensation promoter. It is also used in the production of hydrazine, sodium cyanide, azides, and indigo. In addition, it reacts with carbon monoxide to produce sodium cyanide, an important chemical intermediate.
Industrially, sodium amide is mainly manufactured by reacting molten sodium with ammonia at 300–400°C. In the laboratory, it can be prepared by reacting sodium with liquid ammonia in the presence of a catalyst. Due to its sensitivity to air and moisture, it should be stored under an inert atmosphere and away from heat and ignition sources.
Chemical Properties
| Melting point | 210 °C (lit.) |
| Boiling point | 400 °C (lit.) |
| density | 1.39 g/cm3 (25℃) |
| Fp | 85 °F |
| storage temp. | Store below +30°C. |
| solubility | reacts with H2O |
| form | crystalline |
| color | Greyish white powder |
| Odor | Ammonia like |
| Water Solubility | REACTS VERY VIOLENTLY, EVEN EXPLOSIVELY |
| Sensitive | Air & Moisture Sensitive |
| Merck | 148576 |
| Stability: | Stability Flammable. Reacts violently with water producing very toxic fumes. In case of fire do not use water, but instead smother with soda ash. May form explosive peroxides if heated, or if stored for extended periods in contact with air or oxygen. Incompatible with water and aqueous solutions, carbon dioxide, halogenated hydrocarbo |
| CAS DataBase Reference | 7782-92-5(CAS DataBase Reference) |
| EPA Substance Registry System | Sodium amide (Na(NH2)) (7782-92-5) |
| Hazard Codes | F,C,Xi,N |
| Risk Statements | 14/15-19-34-20/21-10-67-65-63-48/20-11-36/37-15/29-14-50-29 |
| Safety Statements | 26-43-45-62-7/8-43D-36/37/39-27-16-61 |
| RIDADR | UN 3129 4.3/PG 2 |
| WGK Germany | 2 |
| F | 37917 |
| Autoignition Temperature | 450 °C |
| TSCA | Yes |
| HS Code | 2853 90 90 |
| HazardClass | 4.3 |
| PackingGroup | II |
| Hazardous Substances Data | 7782-92-5(Hazardous Substances Data) |
Product Usage
Sodium amide is widely used in organic synthesis as a condensation promoter, dehydrating agent, dehalogenating agent, alkylating agent, and aminating agent. It is also an important raw material for vitamin A synthesis. In liquid ammonia, it can generate NH₂⁻ ions and initiate anionic polymerization reactions. Furthermore, it is used in pharmaceutical and chemical production to prepare azides, cyanides, indigo, hydrazine, and other chemical intermediates.
