Ethylsodium

Summary

Ethyl sodium (or ethylsodium) is an organometallic compound containing sodium ions [Na]+ and ethyl anions (ethanide) [CH3CH2]−. It is seldom isolated as a solid product, but can be used as an intermediate in reactions. Ethylsodium is reactive with oxygen, water and most solvents. Only alkanes are inert to ethylsodium, however it does not dissolve in these.