When a large number of chemical compounds where carbon atoms are covalently linked with other elements such as hydrogen or oxygen, they are considered as an organic compound. Each one of them has its own set of characteristics, but to understand them better we will look at two compounds: Sodium Ethoxide and 7-Azaindole.
These organic compounds are only present at a small percentage on the earth’s crust but they are very essential since all life is based on organic compounds. By using the carbon cycle, most of the living things convert inorganic compounds into organic compounds.
Sodium Ethoxide
Sodium ethoxide is an organic compound that has the appearance of a white-colored solid. It comes with a chemical formula of C2H5ONa. Sodium ethoxide is prepared by reacting sodium absolute ethanol. For this reaction to work, sodium has to be in its metal form.
The reaction to the above method is:
C2H5OH + 2 Na → 2 C2H5ONa + H
There is another method that can also be used to prepare sodium ethoxide which requires you to react sodium hydroxide with anhydrous ethanol.
Properties of Sodium Ethoxide
Sodium ethoxide is a white colored solid that contains can also appear in yellow or brown color when it’s impure. It can easily dissolve with polar solvents, for example with ethanol. Sodium ethoxide is commonly known to be used as a strong base. Sodium ethoxide is also highly reactive with water.
Why Sodium Ethoxide is Basic in Nature?
When you look at the reaction, the conjugate acid of ethoxide is known as ethanol and H2O for OH-. Since it is known that water is more acidic in nature compared to ethanol.
This will result in it being remained in an ionized form more than ethanol. This eventually leads to sodium chloride being more basic in nature compared to sodium hydroxide.
Uses of Sodium Ethoxide
Sodium ethoxide is commonly used as a strong base in organic chemistry. This is why it is also used in multiple condensation reactions such as Claisen condensation and Malonic ester synthesis.
Safety and Precautions
In general, sodium ethoxide is hazardous to humans which is why it should only be handled by a professional. In case of a hazard, it can cause heavy damage to the skin and eyes of humans.
If the skin is exposed to sodium ethoxide chemicals, it can cause inflammation and blisters. When not handled properly it can also lead to blindness when comes in contact with eyes.
In case this organic compound is ingested, it can lead to serious health issues such as choking, severe damage to the mucous membrane. In some cases, it can also lead to heavy irritation to respiratory tracts. If it is not controlled it can also lead to heavy lung damage and unconsciousness.
In a worst-case scenario, ingestion or accidental consumption can lead to the death of a person as well.
7-azaindole
Azaindoles are known to have a bicyclic structure that consists of a pyrrole ring that is fused to a pyridine ring. Azaindoles are also known as organic compounds. These compounds are considered to be great when it comes to biological activity.
Common Properties of 7-Azaindole
7-Azindole are known to be more basic compared to indoles. They are extensively researched for their pharmacological activities since they are isosteres of indoles. These are considered to be great for agrochemicals as well.
Uses of 7-Azaindole
7-Azaindole is one of the best blue emitters, which is why they are extensively used for light-emitting diodes, also known as organic LEDs. Apart from that, they are also actively used in material synthesis.
