Methanol

Chemical formula

CH₃OH

Also known as:

methyl alcohol, carbinol, wood spirit, Wood alcohol

Properties

Mol. Wt.

32.04

B.P.

64.7°C

Solubility

Miscible with water, ethanol, ether, benzene, ketones and most other organic solvents.  Forms azeotropes with many compounds.

Description

Originally obtained by the destructive distillation of wood, now usually manufactured from hydrogen and carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide, also by oxidation of hydrocarbons.

Flammable, poisonous, mobile liquid with a slight alcoholic odour when pure.  Crude material may have a repulsive, pungent odour.  Burns with a non-luminous, bluish flame.

Methanol is usually a better solvent than ethanol, dissolves many inorganic salts.

Uses

Industrial solvent.  Raw material for making formaldehyde and methyl esters of organic and inorganic acids.  Antifreeze for automotive radiators and air brakes; ingredient of gasoline and diesel oil antifreezes.  As fuel for picnic stoves and soldering torches.  Extractant for animal and vegetable oils.  To denature ethanol.  Softening agent for pyroxylin plastics.  Solvent and solvent adjuvant for polymers.  Solvent in the manufacture of cholesterol, streptomycin, vitamins, hormones, and other pharmaceuticals.