What is formed when alcohols react with sodium at room temperature?

When alcohols react with sodium at room temperature, alkoxides are formed. This reaction involves the alcohol donating a proton from its hydroxyl group (-OH) to the sodium, which results in the formation of sodium alkoxide (the alkoxide salt) and hydrogen gas as a byproduct. The alkoxide is represented as R-O^-, where R is the hydrocarbon part of the alcohol molecule.

This reaction is noteworthy because it demonstrates the reactivity of the hydroxyl group in alcohols, allowing for the synthesis of alkoxides, which can be further utilized in various organic reactions. The presence of sodium facilitates the displacement of the hydrogen atom in the alcohol, creating a new compound where the alkoxide ion is stable and the hydrogen is released as a gas.

Other products such as hydrogen gas do indeed form as a byproduct, but they are not the primary focus of the reaction output. The formation of R-cyanides or alkenes is not relevant in this context, as they would involve different reactants or reactions entirely. Thus, the alkoxides are the significant products resulting from this particular reaction between alcohols and sodium.