Preparation of Sodium Metal for synthesis

Sodium metal is often used as a strong base to prepare sodium derived salts.  It is also used in Birch reductions.  Because it is typically stored under oil, the oil must typically be removed.

1. Obtain a bucket of sand, LithX powder or a class D fire extinguisher.  You should be wearing gloves, eye protection and a labcoat. 
2. Remove the sodium metal from the container, allowing the excess oil to fall back into the jar
3. Cut the sodium to approximately the appropriate size while there is still a small amount of oil remaining on the metal.  You will notice that shortly after the metal is cut, it turns from a bright metallic color to a dull white color.  This is normal.
4. Place any unneeded sodium back in the oil.
5. The sodium you wish to weigh out should be patted dry with paper towels to remove excess oil.  It can be rinsed with hexanes over the towels. 
6. Weigh out the appropriate amount of sodium by gently cutting unneeded pieces from the block.
7. Add sodium metal to your reaction.

Alternatively, the sodium metal can be removed from the container, and placed into a beaker of an alkane solvent such as hexane or heptane. The sodium can be cut into appropriate sized pieces with tweezers and a scalpel while immersed in the solvent, minimising air exposure. This technique can also be used to handle other alkali metals such as lithium and potassium.