Benzyl chloride (12.65g), Sodium methoxide (10.8g) and 200ml of methanol were placed into a 500ml round-bottom flask equipped with a reflux condenser and a magnetic stirring bar. The mixture was heated to reflux and stirred for24hr. The solution was cooled to room temperature and the salts were removed by filtration. Methanol was removed from the filtrate by evaporation under reduced pressure. The residue was distilled and benzyl methyl ether, bp 61-63 ?C (14mm), was obtained(8.19g) Determine what role does methanol play in this reaction?