Question

The molecular formula of sodium ethoxide is ________.

• A. $C_2{H}_{5}ONa$
• B. ${NaOCH}_{2}OH$
• C. ${NaOCH}_3$
• D. None of these

Answer 1

The correct option is A

${\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_5\mathrm{ONa}$

Explanation for correct option

(A) ${\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_5\mathrm{ONa}$

• The molecular formula is a chemical formula that specifies the total number of atoms of each element in a molecule.
• Sodium ethoxide, commonly known as sodium ethylate, has molecular formula ${\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_5\mathrm{ONa}$.
• Despite contaminated samples appear yellow or brown, it is a white solid. Sodium ethoxide dissolves in polar liquids like ethanol.
• Sodium ethoxide is frequently utilized as a strong base.

Explanation for incorrect options

(B) ${\mathrm{NaOCH}}_2\mathrm{OH}$ is not the molecular formula of sodium ethoxide.

(C) ${\mathrm{NaOCH}}_3$ is the molecular formula of sodium methoxide.

Hence, option (A) is correct. The molecular formula of sodium ethoxide is ${\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_5\mathrm{ONa}$.