Product Description-Sodium amide CAS#7782-92-5

Sodium amide (NaNH₂) is a white to olive-green crystalline powder with an ammonia-like odor. It has a molecular weight of 39.01, melts at 210°C, and boils at 400°C. Above 500°C it decomposes into sodium, nitrogen, and hydrogen. It reacts violently with water to form sodium hydroxide and ammonia, and is slightly soluble in liquid ammonia.

It readily absorbs CO₂ and moisture from air, so sealed storage is required. Molten sodium amide can dissolve metals (Mg, Zn, Mo, W) and silicate materials like quartz and glass. As an ionic compound, it contains the strongly basic amide ion NH₂⁻, which hydrolyzes in water: NaNH₂ + H₂O → NaOH + NH₃.

Sodium amide is flammable, explosive, corrosive, and hygroscopic. Its toxic dust irritates the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract, and direct contact causes corrosive burns. Air exposure leads to oxidation, forming potentially explosive yellow products that can detonate from friction or heat. It must be stored under inert atmosphere, away from air, moisture, and ignition sources.

In organic synthesis, it serves as an aminating agent, condensation accelerator, dehydrating agent, dehalogenating agent, alkylating agent, and polymerization initiator. It is also a key raw material for hydrazine, sodium cyanide, azides, and indigo. Industrially, it is produced by reacting molten sodium with ammonia gas at 300–400°C. It also reacts with CO to form sodium cyanide, an important chemical intermediate.