Sodium

HCID 5360545CAS 7440-23-5

Basic information

Standard SMILES
[Na]
InChIKey
KEAYESYHFKHZAL-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Molecular formula
Na
Average molar mass
22.9898 g/mol
Monoisotopic mass
22.98976928

Names & identifiers

Preferred name
Sodium
IUPAC
sodium

Names & synonyms

SODIUM7440-23-5Natriumsodium atomSodium metalSodioCHEBI:26708Ion Level, SodiumLevel, Sodium IonSodium 23DTXSID1049774Sodium (NOS)
Show more names
Sodalite 8149RefChem:6494GMW VITAPET WATERDTXCID008764499NEZ333N27231-132-9Nasodium(1+) ion

Database identifiers

CAS
7440-23-5
PubChem CID
5360545
DTXSID
DTXSID1049774
ChEBI
CHEBI:26708
UNII
9NEZ333N27
EC Number
231-132-9

Properties

Computed structural properties

Topological polar surface area
0 Ų
Hydrogen bond donors
0
Hydrogen bond acceptors
0
Rotatable bonds
0
Heavy atoms
1

Experimental & physicochemical properties

Density · 5 items

0.971 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float

0.968 g/cu cm at 20 °C

Ionization potential: 5.139 V; thermal conductivity: 132.3W/m K at 293.15 K; electrical resistivity: 4.77x10-8 Ohm m at 293 K; critical density: 206 kg/cu m; atomic radius in metallic lattice: 189.6 pm

0.97 g/cm³

0.97 @25 °C

Viscosity0.680 cP at 100 °C; 0.284 cP at 400 °C; 0.820 cP at 550 °C
Color/Form · 3 items

Light, silvery-white metal; body-centered cubic structure; lustrous when freshly cut; tarnishes on exposure to air, becoming dull and gray; soft at ordinary temperature, fairly hard at -20 °C

Waxlike at room temperature, brittle at low temperatures

Light, soft, ductile, malleable, silver-white metal

Solubility · 3 items

Insoluble in benzene, kerosene, naphtha

Dissolves in liquid ammonia to give blue solution: dissolves in mercury, forming sodium amalgam

Solubility in water: reaction

Boiling Point · 4 items

1621 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999)

881.4 °C

880 °C

882.94 °C @760 [mm Hg]

Decomposition · 2 items

VIOLENTLY DECOMPOSES WATER, FORMING SODIUM HYDROXIDE & HYDROGEN ... .

Decomp water & alcohol.

Safety & regulation

GHS classification

GHS Classification · 6 items

Danger

H260: In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously [Danger Substances and mixtures which in contact with water, emit flammable gases];H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation]

P223, P231+P232, P260, P264, P280, P301+P330+P331, P302+P335+P334, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P321, P363, P370+P378, P402+P404, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Danger

Hazard information

Regulatory Information · 6 items

Chemical: Sodium

Hazard Traits - Environmental tox;Authoritative List - CWA 303(d);Report - if used as a fragrance or flavor ingredient

Sodium is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of Sodium are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)

Status: Active Update: 12-10-2022 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/13486;Status: Active Update: 26-03-2018 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/23230;Status: Active Update: 12-04-2013 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/6535

Sodium: HSNO Approval: HSR001293 Approved with controls

The New Jersey Worker and Community Right to Know Act requires public and private employers to provide information about hazardous substances at their workplaces. (N.J.S.A. 34:5A-1 et. seq.)

Other Safety InformationIMAP assessments - Sodium: Human health tier II assessment;IMAP assessments - Sodium: Environment tier I assessment
DOT LabelDangerous When Wet
Fire Hazards · 3 items

Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Fumes of burning Na are highly irritating to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. (USCG, 1999)

· Produce flammable gases on contact with water.;· May ignite on contact with water or moist air.;· Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water.;· May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.;· May re-ignite after fire is extinguished.;· Some are transported in highly flammable liquids.;· Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.

Highly flammable. Many reactions may cause fire or explosion. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. Risk of fire and explosion on contact with acids, halogens or water.

Fire Potential · 5 items

VIOLENTLY DECOMPOSES WATER, FORMING SODIUM HYDROXIDE & HYDROGEN WHICH MAY IGNITE SPONTANEOUSLY.

HEATED SODIUM IS SPONTANEOUSLY FLAMMABLE IN AIR.

... Combustible solid. May ignite spontaneously on exposure to moist air ...

... /Sodium/ is to some extent pyrophoric. Dispersions of sodium in volatile solvents may become pyrophoric if the solvent evaporates round the neck of a container.

The ignition temp of sodium in air depends on size of surface exposed: vapor ignites at room temp; droplets at about 250 °F; an agitated pool at 400 °F; a calm pool at 500 to 800 °F. In the absence of moisture and hydrogen, the reaction is insignificant below 1000 °F.

Health Hazards · 2 items

Severe burns caused by burning metal or by caustic soda formed by reaction with moisture on skin. (USCG, 1999)

· Inhalation or contact with vapors, substance or decomposition products may cause severe injury or death.;· May produce corrosive solutions on contact with water.;· Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.;· Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.

Safety & protection

Fire Fighting · 2 items

Excerpt from ERG Guide 138 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable Gases)]:;DO NOT USE WATER OR FOAM.;SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, soda ash, lime or sand.;LARGE FIRE: DRY sand, dry chemical, soda ash or lime or withdraw from area and let fire burn. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.;FIRE INVOLVING METALS OR POWDERS (ALUMINUM, LITHIUM, MAGNESIUM, ETC.): Use dry chemical, DRY sand, sodium chloride powder, graphite powder or class D extinguishers; in addition, for Lithium you may use Lith-X® powder or copper powder. Also, see ERG Guide 170.;FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. (ERG, 2024)

Use special powder, dry sand. NO other agents. Combat fire from a sheltered position.

First Aid Measures · 4 items

Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention .

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention .

Accidental Release Measures · 2 items

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.;· Keep unauthorized personnel away.;· Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.;· Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.;· Do not touch or walk through spilled material.;· Stop leak if you can do it without risk.;· Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material.;· DO NOT GET WATER on spilled substance or inside containers.;Small Spill;· Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain.;· Dike for later disposal; do not apply water unless directed to do so.;Powder Spill;· Cover powder spill with plastic sheet or tarp to minimize spreading and keep powder dry.;· DO NOT CLEAN-UP OR DISPOSE OF, EXCEPT UNDER SUPERVISION OF A SPECIALIST.

First Aid · 2 items

SKIN: brush off any metal, then flood with water for at least 15 min.; treat as heat or caustic burn; call a doctor. (USCG, 1999)

General First Aid:;· Call 911 or emergency medical service.;· Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.;· Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.;· Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.;· If victim is not breathing:;-- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.;-- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).;-- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.;· Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.;· For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.;· In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.;· For severe burns, immediate medical attention is required.;· Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact) to substance may be delayed.;· Keep victim calm and warm.;· Keep victim under observation.;· For further assistance, contact your local Poison Control Center.;· Note: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) should be done by trained professionals.;Specific First Aid:;· In case of contact with substance, wipe from skin immediately; flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.

Safe StorageFireproof. Keep under mineral oil. Dry. Well closed.
Firefighting Hazards... Water reactive ... Evolves hydrogen and ignites on contact with water ...

Toxicology

Adverse EffectsDermatotoxin - Skin burns.
Exposure RoutesSerious by all routes of exposure.
Signs and Symptoms · 4 items

Cough. Sore throat. Burning sensation.

Pain. Blisters. Serious skin burns.

Severe deep burns. Loss of vision.

Burning sensation. Shock or collapse.

Medical Surveillance · 1 item

Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, for those with frequent or potentially high exposure to sodium metal, the following are recommended: lung function tests. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: consider chest x-ray after acute overexposure.

Natural Pollution Sources · 2 items

Occurrence in earth's crust: 2.83% by wt; principal cation in hydrosphere. ... found in form of its cmpd, halides, silicates, carbonates; does not occur free.

Sodium is present in fair abundance in sun and stars. D-lines of sodium are among most prominent in solar spectrum. ... 6th most abundant element on earth ... most abundant of alkali group of metals ... most common cmpd is sodium chloride ... other minerals ... soda niter, cryolite, amphibole, zeolite, sodalite ... .

Human Toxicity Excerpts · 4 items

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Short-Term Exposure: Inhalation: Contact with water, including perspiration, causes the formation of sodium hydroxide fumes which are highly irritating to skin, eyes, nose and throat. May cause sneezing and coughing. Very severe exposures may result in difficult breathing, coughing, and chemical bronchitis. High exposures can cause pulmonary edema, a medical emergency that can be delayed for several hours. This can cause death. Skin: Contact may cause itching, tingling, thermal and caustic burns and may cause permanent damage. Eyes: May cause tearing, very painful irritation, and burns. Contact with eyes may result in permanent damage and loss of sight. Ingestion: Causes immediate intense burning sensation in mouth, throat and stomach, followed by salivation, vomiting, rapid breathing, symptoms of shock, diarrhea, loss of consciousness and death.

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Occasional severe burns of eyes which have been caused by sodium are attributable principally to sodium hydroxide.

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Extremely caustic to all tissue.

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Corrosive. Causes severe eye and skin burns.

Regulatory information

Regulatory Information · 6 items

Chemical: Sodium

Hazard Traits - Environmental tox;Authoritative List - CWA 303(d);Report - if used as a fragrance or flavor ingredient

Sodium is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of Sodium are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)

Status: Active Update: 12-10-2022 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/13486;Status: Active Update: 26-03-2018 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/23230;Status: Active Update: 12-04-2013 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/6535

Sodium: HSNO Approval: HSR001293 Approved with controls

The New Jersey Worker and Community Right to Know Act requires public and private employers to provide information about hazardous substances at their workplaces. (N.J.S.A. 34:5A-1 et. seq.)

CERCLA Reportable Quantities · 1 item

Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 10 lb or 4.54 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b).

Clean Water Act Requirements · 1 item

Sodium is designated as a hazardous substance under section 311(b)(2)(A) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and further regulated by the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1977 and 1978. These regulations apply to discharges of this substance. This designation includes any isomers and hydrates, as well as any solutions and mixtures containing this substance.

State Drinking Water Standards(FL) FLORIDA 160,000 ug/L
State Drinking Water Guidelines(MA) MASSACHUSETTS 20,000 ug/L

Chemistry & industry

Uses & manufacturing

Uses · 4 items

MFR OF SODIUM CMPD, SUCH AS CYANIDE, AZIDE, PEROXIDE, ETC; IN MFR OF TETRAETHYL LEAD; IN ORG SYNTHESES; FOR PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS; IN SODIUM LAMPS; ALLOYED WITH POTASSIUM IN HEAT TRANSFER MEDIA.

IMPROVE STRUCTURE OF CERTAIN ALLOYS, TO DESCALE METAL, TO PURIFY MOLTEN METALS, IN REDUCTION OF ORG ESTERS.

CHEM INT FOR SODIUM HYDRIDE; CHEMICAL INT & CATALYST IN NUMEROUS MISC APPLICATIONS; REDUCING AGENT FOR METALS.

LABORATORY REAGENT; COOLANT IN NUCLEAR REACTORS; ELECTRIC POWER CABLE (ENCASED IN POLYETHYLENE); RADIOACTIVE FORMS IN TRACER STUDIES & MEDICINE; HEAT TRANSFER AGENT IN SOLAR-POWERED ELECTRIC GENERATORS.

ImpuritiesIMPURITIES: Calcium and Chlorides.
U.S. Imports · 2 items

(1972) 2.9X10+5 GRAMS (INCL CESIUM & POTASSIUM)

(1975) 1.98X10+6 G (INCL CESIUM & POTASSIUM)

U.S. Production · 4 items

2023: 55,000,000 - <70,000,000 lb;2022: 100,000,000 - <250,000,000 lb;2021: 100,000,000 - <250,000,000 lb;2020: 100,000,000 - <500,000,000 lb

(1972) 1.45X10+11 GRAMS

(1975) 1.31X10+11 GRAMS

(1984) 8.58X10+10 g

Consumption Patterns · 2 items

80% AS A CHEMICAL INTERMEDIATE FOR TETRAALKYL LEAD GASOLINE ADDITIVES; 7% AS A REDUCING AGENT FOR METALS; 13% IN OTHER APPLICATIONS (1974)

Lead antiknocks (tetraethyl and tetramethyl lead), 30%; Titanium reduction, 27%; Misc, including catalysts, pulp bleaching metal descaling, dyes, pharmaceuticals, perfumes, and herbicide, 23%; exports, 20% (1985)

Consumer UsesNot Known or Reasonably Ascertainable;Flame retardant;Flocculating agent;Alloys;Other

Related reactions

12,606 records

Linked notes

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