MrMario
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Storing Sodium Metal
Hello guys,
I recently picked up my chemistry hobby again and got some sodium in oil, but its slightly oxidation and the packaging is not good. I have Petroleum
here at home and would like to store it under this. Is this a good idea or would it react with bonds?
It contains: C9-C11, n-alkanes, iso-alkanes, cylclic, <2% aromates. E.G. nr: 918-481-9
And how can I clean this stuff, suggestions are appreciated!
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Liamatpm
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What type of Petroleum is it? But I would get oxygen free mineral oil because that's would be the best way to store it. But normal mineral oils should
work too.
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Sulaiman
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Assuming 'Mineral Spirits' then definitely YES, that's what I'm using.
.put a little piece of freshly cut sodium in the storage jar with the fluid, shake, look for any significant reaction, probably very little.
CAUTION : Hobby Chemist, not Professional or even Amateur
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MrHomeScientist
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There will be some initial reaction in just about any liquid you choose to store it under, as it reacts with residual moisture in the solvent. So
don't be alarmed if there is minor bubbling at first; just be sure to vent the jar periodically for the first few days to release the pressure. The
suggestion to test a small piece with your fluid first is a good one.
I store mine under regular mineral oil and it's been fine for years. It develops a skin of hydroxide, but the bulk of it is intact and I just cut off
the outer layer if I need to. To clean it, there are several procedures here and videos on YouTube that explain it. One way is to melt the sodium. The
impurities will float to the top where they can be skimmed off, or you can use a (glass) syringe to transfer out the clean sodium from underneath.
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