Sodium amide, often called sodamide, is a highly reactive crystalline inorganic base. It is used in synthesis of various organic compounds and dyes. Sodium amide reacts aggressively with water and forms explosive compounds when exposed to air. Therefore, sodium amide is stored in inert atmosphere of nitrogen or argon. Sodium amide is used as a catalyst in the production of hydrazine and sodium cyanide. It is also employed in the production of hydrogen gas by the reaction of ammonia, sodium metal, and sodium amide. The compound is used to manufacture dyes, specifically indigo dye. Along with an alkali, sodium amide is used to obtain indoxly from phenyl glycine. This indigo production method exploits the reactivity of sodium amide with water to substantially lower the overall temperature of the entire process of indigo dye production. Furthermore, sodium amide acts as a drying reagent for dehydrating ammonia gas and deprotonation of alkynes, weak acids, alcohols, etc.
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