Organic non-halogenated compounds

There are comparatively few studies of such compounds, although it is apparent that some rapid reactions can occur. Bawn and Evans [101] have shown that the collision yields for nitromethane, ethyl nitrate and amyl nitrite at 255°C are approximately 1 in 10, a value also reported by Litmonowitch and Warhurst [102] for nitrobenzene. An overall mechanism proposed is 

Nemeth and Reed [106] report that sodium vapour reacts with ethyl, n-propyl and iso-propyl alcohol at temperatures near 300°C. The collision yields are, respectively, 1 in 41, 450 and 114. The primary reaction mechanism is believed to be a hydrogen atom displacement 

These studies imply that reactions of halides containing a hydroxyl substituent may take place at the hydroxyl site in addition to the halogen site. Consequently, it is necessary to reconsider the interpretation of reactivity sequences that are based solely upon the influence of the hydroxyl group on the structure of the transition state. 

It should be noted that reactions of a few organic cyanides with sodium vapour have also been reported [5, 74] although these reactions are much slower than for the corresponding chloride. Comparison of 

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