NOVELTY - Production (M1) of sodium methylate solution involves: feeding a catholyte solution comprising methanol or a dilute solution of sodium methoxide in methanol into a catholyte compartment of an electrolytic cell; feeding an anolyte solution comprising an aqueous solution of at least one sodium salt into an anolyte compartment of the cell; and applying an electric potential to the cell.    USE - For the production of sodium methylate solution, which is used in the preparation of biodiesel; in an electrolytic cell for producing sodium methylate solution (all claimed).    ADVANTAGE - The process is cost-effective, simple, safe, and is not environmentally harmful. The membrane is impermeable to water, operates at a high current density and operates at a low voltage. The method provides high ion-conductivity for alkali metal ions at low temperatures, high selectivity for alkali metal ions, excellent current efficiency and chemical stability in water, ionic solvents and corrosive alkali media under static and electrochemical conditions. The method uses the membrane, which does not degraded in the presence of corrosive elements and can be operated in a wide pH range (2 - 14).    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - Production (M1) of sodium methylate solution involves: feeding a catholyte solution comprising methanol or a dilute solution of sodium methoxide in methanol into a catholyte compartment of an electrolytic cell; feeding an anolyte solution comprising an aqueous solution of at least one sodium salt into an anolyte compartment of the cell; and applying an electric potential to the cell. The anolyte compartment and the catholyte compartment are separated by a ceramic membrane that, upon flow of the electric current, selectively transports sodium cations from the anolyte compartment to the catholyte compartment, and is impermeable to water. The sodium methylate solution is formed in the catholyte compartment of the cell. INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are included for the following:    (1) an electrolytic cell for producing sodium methylate solution comprises a catholyte compartment containing cathode and solution comprising methanol, or a dilute solution of sodium methylate in methanol (preferably methanol); an anolyte compartment containing an anode and a solution comprising at least one sodium salts; and a cation-selective ceramic membrane separating the anolyte compartment and the catholyte compartment that selectively permits the flow of sodium cations from the anolyte compartment to the catholyte compartment upon application of a voltage across the cell. The membrane is impermeable to water and maintains a constant current density for at least 6 hours of operation and longer than 500 hours; and    (2) alkali alcoholates made using (M1) or the cell (where the membrane material is alkali analog of NaSICON) or from impure alkali metal solutions.