Ultra-divided metals

Sodium powder is prepared by melting S g of carefully cleaned cut sodium metal in 250 mL of boiling xylenes. After removal of the heating bath a slow stream of nitrogen is passed over the solvent, and a high speed stirrer (20,000 rpm, e.g., Ultra-Turrax, model T 18/10) is introduced and run for 15 s. The finely divided metal is filtered and washed (three l5-mL portions of pentane) under inert gas and sucked dry. It can be stored in a dry box for months without loss of activity. ... 

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