Methanol (also known as methyl alcohol and wood alcohol) is a colourless, volatile, and flammable liquid with the chemical formula CH3OH.
Methanol is mostly used to produce antifreeze, solvent, fuel, and as a denaturant for ethyl alcohol. It is also used for producing biodiesel via transesterification reaction.
Characterization of Methanol
Methanol is the simplest alcohol, which Completely mixes with water. It is a light, volatile, and poisonous liquid with an odour milder and sweeter than ethanol. Methanol is one of the basic chemicals (alongside ethylene, propylene, and ammonia) and is used to produce many other chemical products such as formaldehyde, acetic acid, and plastics. Methyl acetate specifications include:
- Its molar mass is 04 g. mol-1.
- Its melting point is -98 ℃.
- Its boiling point is 7 ℃.
- Its density is 791 g/cm³.
Applications of Methanol
Methanol is the simplest aliphatic alcohol, comprising a methyl and an alcohol group. It has a role as a solvent, a fuel, and a human metabolite. Different uses of Methanol in various industries include:
- Methanol is used as an industrial solvent for inks, resins, adhesives, and dyes.
- It is used as a solvent in the manufacture of cholesterol, vitamins, hormones, and other pharmaceuticals.
- Methanol is used as an antifreeze for automotive radiators, an ingredient of gasoline.
- Methanol is also used in paint and varnish removers.
Methanol production
Methanol can be produced from a wide variety of sources including fossil fuels (natural gas, coal, etc.) as well as agricultural products and municipal waste, wood and varied biomass.
It is industrially produced by carbon monoxide hydrogenation in the presence of copper-zinc catalysts.
CO + 2 H2 → CH3OH
Methanol storage
Methanol should be stored in well-ventilated areas, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Other storage conditions include:
- Methanol should be stored away from oxidizing compounds such as perchlorates, chromium trioxide, bromine, sodium hypochlorite, chlorine, and hydrogen peroxide.
- Methanol should be kept away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources.
- This product should be stored in tightly closed containers.
Methanol health hazards
Methanol is a highly flammable and toxic substance. So, extreme caution is necessary during operations. short-term or long-term exposure of humans to Methanol by inhalation or ingestion may result in blurred vision, headache, dizziness, and nausea. Plus, skin contact with methanol can produce mild dermatitis in humans.
Personal protective equipment should be worn at all times when handling Methanol to prevent contact with the skin, eyes, nose and throat. Operators should Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection, and face protection when handling the product.
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FAQ
What is Methanol?
Methanol is a colourless liquid with a sweet pungent odour like that of ethyl alcohol. It is used as a solvent for paints, plastics, and as an ingredient in different products.
What is Methanol used for?
Methanol is used to produce chemicals such as acetic acid. It is used as an industrial solvent to create inks, resins, adhesives and dyes. Plus, it is used as a solvent in the manufacture of important pharmaceutical ingredients such as cholesterol, vitamins and hormones.
Is Methanol toxic?
Inhalation or oral exposure to methanol may result in headache, dizziness, giddiness, insomnia, Nausea, visual disturbances, and blindness in humans.
What is the main use of Methanol?
Methanol is used as the base material in acrylic plastic; synthetic fabrics and fibers used to make clothing; adhesives, paint, and plywood used in construction; and as a chemical agent in pharmaceuticals and agrichemicals.
What is the price of Methanol?
ArChem solvents can be purchased in a variety of volumes. Depending on your orders, Prices are different. for more information about Methanol price, please contact our technical sales team in ArChem.
What are the advantages of Methanol as a solvent?
Methanol is a good solvent for extraction. It is capable of extracting both lipophilic and hydrophilic molecules or substances. The other advantage is that it be removed easily at room temperature because it is highly volatile.
What is the difference between Methanol and Ethanol?
Methanol is created by combining a methyl group with a hydroxyl group and Ethanol is formed by combining an ethyl group with a hydroxyl group.