1. A chemical compound formed by the reaction of an alcohol with a metal, in which the hydrogen of the hydroxyl group is replaced by a metal atom or group.
Usage: chemistry; technical

Examples

• Sodium alkoxide is commonly used as a strong base in organic synthesis.
• The alkoxide intermediate plays a key role in the mechanism of this reaction.
• Alkoxides are highly reactive compounds that must be handled with care in the laboratory.
• Potassium alkoxide can be prepared by reacting potassium metal with an alcohol.
• The formation of an alkoxide is the first step in this esterification process.