Reaction of Alcohol with Alkali Metals

Alcohols display the properties of weak acids. The reactions of alcohols with active metals (such as Na and K) are slower than the equivalent reactions with water. During these reactions, basic salts of the alkoxide ion (RO —) are produced. 

Potassium reacts with water and produces potassium hydroxide and hydrogen. 

Methanol and ethanol react strongly with Na and K. When the carbon chain of the alcohol extends the intensity of the reaction decreases. Generally, potassium is preferred for the long-chained alcohol reactions. Some metals, such as magnesium and aluminum can react with alcohols to produce H2 gas when their oxide layers are cleaned from their surfaces. 

Ethanol reacts with sodium and produces sodium ethoxide and hydrogen. When sodium is put into ethanol, it settles down and reacts slowly. 

The rate of reaction of alcohols with alkali metals decreases from primary alcohols to tertiary alcohols. Basic alkoxides react with water (hydrolyze) to produce their initial alcohols. 

---

Another common way of obtaining alkoxides is by the reaction of alcohols with alkali metals, such as lithium. Such metals reduce water—in some cases, violently— to yield alkali metal hydroxides and hydrogen gas. When the more reactive metals (sodium, potassium, and cesium) are exposed to water in air, the hydrogen generated can ignite spontaneously... 

---