Method of making sodium ethyl ester
To make sodium ethyl ester, first take an appropriate amount of ethanol and place it in a clean kettle. The kettle must be airtight to prevent the intrusion of foreign gases. Slowly heat the ethanol so that the temperature gradually rises to its slightly boiling state.

Take another sodium metal and carefully cut it into thin slices. The action should be steady and fast to prevent the sodium from changing in contact with air. Thin the cut sodium slices one by one into the slightly boiling ethanol. At this time, it can be seen that the reaction in the kettle is violent, and there are bubbles escaping. Sodium and ethanol come into contact, which is a chemical reaction. Sodium is highly active and combines with hydroxyl groups in ethanol.

During the reaction, pay close attention to the situation in the kettle, control the temperature, and do not overheat. When the sodium tablets are completely exhausted and the bubbles no longer appear in large quantities, the reaction comes to an end. At this time, a mixture of sodium ethyl ester can be obtained.

Then, the mixture is carefully distilled. Using the difference in boiling points between sodium ethyl ester and other impurities, pure sodium ethyl ester is separated. The distillation process requires precise control of temperature and pressure to achieve the desired purification effect. After this operation, high-quality sodium ethyl ester can be obtained.