Potassium ethoxide
Names
Preferred IUPAC name
Potassium ethoxide
Other names
Potassium ethylate
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChemSpider
ECHA InfoCard 100.011.845
EC Number
  • 213-029-0
  • InChI=1S/C2H5O.K/c1-2-3;/h2H2,1H3;/q-1;+1
    Key: RPDAUEIUDPHABB-UHFFFAOYSA-N
  • InChI=1/C2H5O.K/c1-2-3;/h2H2,1H3;/q-1;+1
    Key: RPDAUEIUDPHABB-UHFFFAOYAN
  • CC[O-].[K+]
Properties
C2H5KO
Molar mass 84.159 g·mol−1
Appearance Yellow or Off-White Powder[1]
Density 0.894 g/mL [2]
Melting point 250 °C (482 °F; 523 K)
Reacts
Hazards
GHS labelling:
GHS02: FlammableGHS05: Corrosive
Danger
H251, H314
P235+P410, P260, P264, P280, P301+P330+P331, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P310, P321, P363, P405, P407, P413, P420, P501
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Potassium ethoxide, also known as potassium ethanolate, is an off-white or yellow powder with the chemical formula of C2H5KO. Potassium ethoxide contains an ethoxide ion, the conjugate base of ethanol, which makes this compounds strongly basic. It hydrolyzes to yield ethanol and potassium hydroxide.

Uses

Potassium ethoxide is used as a strong base, similar to sodium and potassium methoxides, and potassium tert-butoxide. Catalytic amounts of potassium ethoxide in ethanol can be used to perform transesterification reactions that yield ethyl esters. Sodium or potassium ethoxide is also a suitable base for the malonic ester synthesis where diethyl malonate is used, since any transesterification reaction does not result in ester scrambling.

Safety

Potassium ethoxide is stable, but also both flammable and corrosive. The compound reacts vigorously with water. If the compound comes into contact with damp air, it may lead to the heating and ignition of the solid powder. It must be kept separated from air, moisture, water, acids, oxidizing agents, and reducing agents.[3] It can also cause severe skin burns.[4]

References

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