Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol or wood alcohol, is an organic chemical and the simplest aliphatic alcohol with the formula CH₃OH. It is a light, volatile, colorless, and flammable liquid with a distinctive alcoholic odor similar to that of ethanol. Methanol is used as a precursor to other commodity chemicals, including formaldehyde, acetic acid, and methyl tert-butyl ether, among others. It is also used as an alternative fuel for ships, helping the shipping industry meet increasingly strict emissions regulations by significantly reducing emissions of sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. Additionally, methanol is used as a denaturant for ethanol, producing "denatured alcohol" or "methylated spirit".
Methanol is a versatile chemical building block for hundreds of everyday products, including plastics, paints, car parts, and construction materials. It is also used as a clean energy resource to fuel cars, trucks, buses, ships, fuel cells, boilers, and cook stoves. Methanol can be produced by steam-reforming natural gas to create a synthesis gas, which is then fed into a reactor with a catalyst to produce methanol and water vapor. Various feedstocks can be used to produce methanol, with natural gas currently being the most economical option.
However, it is important to note that methanol is toxic and can be fatal due to its effects on the central nervous system, acting as a central nervous system depressant in the same manner as ethanol poisoning. It is also toxic by ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption. Therefore, precautions should be taken when handling methanol to prevent exposure.
In summary, methanol is a widely used chemical with applications in various industries, including as a precursor to other chemicals, an alternative fuel, and a building block for everyday products. Its toxic nature requires careful handling and precautions to prevent exposure and ensure safety.
