Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol or wood alcohol, is a colorless, volatile liquid chemical widely used as a feedstock, solvent, fuel, and antifreeze in industrial and chemical applications.
Methanol is available for shipping throughout the continental United States with a one-week lead time. The product is delivered in bulk and semi-bulk by tanker truck and railcar. Delivery times and packaging options are subject to change. Contact us for more details.
Methanol has the chemical formula CH₃OH and is a polar liquid at room temperature. Historically produced as a byproduct of the destructive distillation of wood, methanol is now chiefly synthesized from carbon monoxide and hydrogen derived from natural gas. Its principal uses include organic synthesis, fuel applications, solvent systems, antifreeze formulations, and as a denaturant for industrial ethanol.
Modern methanol production relies on synthesis gas generated through steam methane reforming, partial oxidation, or autothermal reforming. Natural gas is the most widely used feedstock, though coal and biomass gasification technologies are also used in certain regions.
Methanol is also a key reactant in biodiesel production via transesterification and serves as an important intermediate in the manufacture of formaldehyde and numerous downstream chemicals.
Methanol-containing mixtures were used by ancient Egyptians in embalming processes. Pure methanol was first isolated in 1661 by Robert Boyle through the distillation of boxwood. Its elemental composition was determined in 1834, and the term “methanol” was formally adopted in 1892. In 1926, commercial synthesis of methanol from synthesis gas was patented, enabling modern large-scale production.
Contemporary methanol production utilizes catalysts capable of operating at lower temperatures, commonly copper-based systems. Low-pressure methanol technology was developed in the late 1960s. While natural gas remains the dominant feedstock, coal-based methanol production has expanded, particularly in China, and biomass-derived methanol technologies continue to develop.
Chemical and Industrial Uses
Fuel and Energy Applications
Laboratory and Specialty Uses
Other Applications
Methanol is highly toxic to humans. Ingestion of small amounts can cause serious health effects, including permanent blindness or death. Toxicity occurs through central nervous system depression and metabolic conversion to formic acid, which leads to metabolic acidosis and cellular hypoxia. Methanol exposure may occur through ingestion, inhalation, or skin absorption.
Antidotes such as ethanol or fomepizole are used to inhibit methanol metabolism when exposure occurs. Due to its toxicity, methanol is commonly used as a denaturant for industrial ethanol.
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