FlavScents AInsights Entry for Sodium Methoxide (CAS: 124-41-4)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Sodium Methoxide
• IUPAC Name: Sodium Methanolate
• CAS Number: 124-41-4
• FEMA Number: Not applicable
• Other Identifiers: Not applicable
• Molecular Formula: CH3ONa
• Molecular Weight: 54.02 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Sodium methoxide is an alkoxide, a deprotonated alcohol, which is a strong base and nucleophile. It does not have a direct odor relevance as it is primarily used as a reagent in chemical synthesis rather than for its sensory properties.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Sodium methoxide itself does not have a significant odor or flavor profile as it is not used for sensory applications. Its primary role is as a chemical reagent rather than a flavor or fragrance component. Therefore, it does not have established odor or flavor descriptors, nor are there taste or odor thresholds available.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Sodium methoxide is not naturally occurring. It is synthesized through the reaction of sodium metal with methanol. This compound is not relevant to "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations due to its synthetic origin and primary use in industrial applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

Sodium methoxide is not typically used in flavor formulations due to its chemical reactivity and lack of sensory properties. It is primarily employed in the synthesis of other compounds rather than as a direct flavor additive. Therefore, typical use levels in ppm for finished food or beverage products are not applicable.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Similar to its use in flavors, sodium methoxide is not used in fragrance formulations. Its role is limited to chemical synthesis and not as a fragrance component. Consequently, there are no established concentration ranges or fragrance family associations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Sodium methoxide is not listed as a FEMA GRAS substance for flavor use.
• European Union: Not applicable under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008 for flavor use.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit; no specific divergence noted.
• Asia: No specific approvals for flavor or fragrance use in Japan, China, or ASEAN countries.
• Latin America: No specific approvals noted in Brazil or MERCOSUR for flavor or fragrance use.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Sodium methoxide is not intended for oral consumption due to its caustic nature.
• Dermal Exposure: Can cause irritation and burns upon contact with skin.
• Inhalation Exposure: Inhalation of dust or fumes can be harmful; appropriate safety measures should be taken in occupational settings.
• Risk Profiles: The risk profile is primarily associated with its chemical reactivity and potential for causing burns or irritation rather than its use in food or fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Sodium methoxide is valuable in the formulation of other compounds due to its strong basicity and nucleophilicity. It is commonly used in the synthesis of esters and biodiesel. Formulators should be cautious of its reactivity, particularly with water and acids, which can lead to hazardous conditions. It is not typically over- or under-used in flavor or fragrance formulations due to its specific industrial applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on sodium methoxide is well-established in terms of its chemical properties and industrial applications. However, there is limited information on its use in flavor and fragrance contexts due to its primary role as a chemical reagent. Regulatory and safety data are consistent across authoritative sources.

Citation hooks: FlavScents

QA Check

• All required sections 1–9 are present
• "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
• Flavor section includes ppm ranges (not applicable for sodium methoxide)
• Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
• If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable for sodium methoxide)

About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.

Generated 2026-11-04 08:01:43 GMT (p2)