Patent ID: 7824536

Claim:
A method for producing sodium alkoxide, comprising: providing an electrolytic cell comprising a plurality of ceramic membranes each configured to selectively transport sodium ions, and at least one bipolar electrode positioned between a pair of said membranes such that the electrolytic cell comprises a plurality of anolyte compartments and a plurality of catholyte compartments; introducing a first solution comprising sodium alkoxide and alcohol into at least one of the catholyte compartments of the electrolytic cell such that said first solution is in communication with at least one membrane and the bipolar electrode; introducing a second solution comprising at least one sodium salt into at least one of the anolyte compartments of the electrolytic cell such that said second solution is in communication with at least one membrane and the bipolar electrode; and applying an electric potential to the electrolytic cell such that sodium ions pass through the ceramic membranes and are available to undertake a chemical reaction with alcohol in at least one of the catholyte compartments to form sodium alkoxide.