Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol or wood spirit, is the simplest form of alcohol. It is a clear, colorless, volatile, and flammable liquid with a sharp alcoholic odor. While similar in appearance to ethanol, methanol is significantly more toxic. Historically made from wood, it is now produced industrially using synthesis gas—a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen—through catalytic processes at high temperature and pressure.
🏭⚗️ Production
Modern methanol production uses natural gas or coal to create synthesis gas, which is then converted into methanol in reactors. The crude methanol is purified through distillation to meet quality standards for industrial use.
🧪 Applications
Methanol is widely used in the chemical industry as a building block for producing formaldehyde, acetic acid, and MTBE. It also serves as:
A fuel in camping stoves and alcohol burners
A denaturant for ethanol
An antifreeze in windshield washer fluid and pipelines
A carbon source in wastewater treatment
A solvent and lab reagent
⚠️ Safety
Methanol is highly flammable and toxic. Vapors can travel and ignite from distant sources, and its flames are often invisible in daylight. Proper handling, storage, and fire safety measures are essential.
