The reaction of sodium on acetic anhydride

Improved methods for carrying out the reaction between sodium and acetic anhydride have been presented. Separation of reaction products and quantitative determination have been made easier by means of the improvements.

The only products isolated from either room-temperature or high-temperature runs have been sodium acetate and a resinous material believed to be a polymer of diacetyl. No diacetyl has been isolated from the original products of any reaction.

Comparison has been made between reactions at room temperature and runs made at high temperatures. Room temperature reactions have been found to give the same products as high-temperature runs but in much smaller amounts.

Theoretical discussion of the reaction is presented. A possible mechanism for formation of the resin are proposed.

Suggestions for future study of the problem are given.