What is Sodium Amide?
Sodum amide is inorganic based with the chemical formula NANH2 and a molecular weight 39.01 g/mol. The structure of the base is very much similar to the tetrahedral crystal and it is composed of sodium ions and the amide ions.
Sodium Amide Structure
The chemical structure of the base is given as below –
Sodium Amide Chemical Formula
Based on this structure, this is clear that free amide ions making this molecule a strong base in nature. This is prepared by reacting sodium metal with liquid ammonia and the iron nitrate catalyst for fastening the overall process. Further, the reaction moves ahead by the formation of electride as an intermediate that quickly releases hydrogen gas and the sodium amide.
\( 2Na + 2NH_3 \to 2NaNH_2 + H_2 \)
Sodium Amide Molecular
The molecule is colorless crystal with an unpleasant ammonia odor and density of 1.39 g/mL, melting point is 210 °C and boiling point is 400 °C. This is highly reactive molecule and it could react violently with water to produce ammonia has and the caustic NAOH.
When it is kept in closed container, it is quickly absorbed by air and results in explosive compounds. It could dissolve in liquid ammonia to form an ionic solution that is conductive and insoluble with many organic solvents.
The base molecule is used along a plenty of chemical reactions mainly for organic synthesis. It is used for the preparation of dyes or a plenty of important organic compounds too. It could react violently with water or air and causes serious health hazards when not handled properly.