Methanol Properties And Uses
What is methanol?
Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol, wood alcohol, and wood spirit, has the chemical formula CH₃OH. It is a colorless, light, volatile, and flammable liquid with an alcoholic odor.
Methanol Chemical and Physical Properties
| Chemical Formula | CH₃OH |
| Molecular Weight | 32.04 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless Liquid |
| Odor | Alcoholic Smell |
| Boiling Point | 64.7°C (148.5°F) |
| Melting Point | -97.6°C (-143.7°F) |
| Flash Point | 11°C (52°F) |
| Autoignition Temperature | 470°C (878°F) |
| Density | 0.7918 g/cm³ at 20°C |
| Solubility in Water | Miscible (fully soluble) |
| Vapor Pressure | 96 mmHg at 20°C |
| Flammability | Highly flammable |
| Toxicity | Toxic if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through skin |
Methanol Used
- Used formaldehyde and acetic acid production.
- Used in the manufacturing of methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE), it reduces engine knocking.
- Emerging fuel in methanol fuel cells and biodiesel production.
- It is used to produce hydrocarbons.
- Used in extraction and purification in the pharma industry.
- It is used as an antifreeze. (brine).
- It is used in cleaning agents, paint, varnishes, plastics, textile soaps, and waterproofing as a solvent.
- Pure methanol is used in the manufacture of perfumes, resins, and pharmaceuticals.
Hazard of Methanol
- Enter through skin (may cause death), mouth, and nose.
- Exposure can cause If swallowed, it can cause blindness, headache, vomiting, pupils, constant movement of the eyeball (nystagmus), and skin injuries.
- The presence of methanol greater than 10 μg/ml in urine, along with formic acid, can indicate exposure to methanol, which is toxic and can lead to serious health issues.
- Methanol vapors can form an explosive mixture with air.
- biodegradable, and large spills can be harmful to aquatic life.
Expand Your Knowledge on [Properties of Hydrogen]
Q&A
- What is the smell of methanol?
Ans. Methanol has a slightly sweet, mild, alcoholic smell like ethanol (drinking alcohol), only less stinging and pleasant. It can taste pleasant initially, giving a false sense of safety and security; inhaling, ingestion, and even brief skin exposure to methanol, even at low levels, can be toxic or fatal. - What happens when methanol is mixed with water?
Ans. When methanol is mixed with water, the two substances mix completely (they are miscible), creating a homogeneous solution. - How do humans use methanol?
Ans. Methanol is used in many commercial, industrial, and research applications by humans but is not safe for human consumption because it is toxic. - Where does methanol come from?
Ans. Methanol comes from both natural and synthetic sources. example, natural gas reforming, coal gasification, biomass gasification. - What is the danger of drinking methanol?
Ans. Drinking methanol is very dangerous and can even be deadly, even in small doses. Neurotoxic: Methanol is metabolized by the body into formaldehyde and formic acid in the liver, both of which have neurotoxic effects.
Permanent Blindness: Damage to the optic nerve may occur within hours.
Death: Death may occur after consuming only 30 mL (1 ounce) of methanol. - What is an antidote for methanol?
Ans. Fomepizole (Antizol), Ethanol, Folic Acid/Folinic Acid (Leucovorin)
