Methanol
What Is Methanol?
Methanol is the simplest alcohol: a methyl group linked to a hydroxyl group. Light, colorless, highly flammable, and volatile, it is commonly used in scientific research as a solvent, de-colorant, or denaturant.
Although methanol was used for embalming by ancient Egyptians, pure methanol was isolated by Robert Boyle in 1661 and its composition determined by Jean-Baptiste Dumas and Eugene Peligot in 1834.
Available in a variety of grades and percentages, methanol is also used as a reagent in the synthesis of chemicals such as acetic acid or formaldehyde.
Methanol is used:
- In many analytical wet lab techniques, including chromatography, spectometry, and chemical synthesis
- To manufacture paints, adhesives, foams, and textiles
- For fuel and to make biodiesel
- As a denaturant for industrially produced ethanol
Although similar to ethanol (drinking alcohol) in appearance and odor, methanol is toxic to the nervous system. Methanol that is ingested, inhaled, or otherwise absorbed can lead to blindness, coma, and death.
When working with methanol, the environment must be properly ventilated, and personal protective equipment (PPE) must be used to protect the eyes, face, and skin. Methanol containers should not be left open to the air and closed containers should be stored in dry, cool, and well-ventilated locations. To extinguish methanol fires, use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, or alcohol-resistant foam.
Synonyms: Methyl alcohol, wood alcohol, carbinol, wood spirit, 67-56-1, methylol, methyl hydroxide, MeOH, methyl hydrate
Physical and Chemical Properties
| Property | Value | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Molecular Weight | 32.04 g/mol | ||
Molar Mass | 32.042 g/mol | ||
Density | 0.791 g/mL at 25ºC | ||
Boiling Point | 64.7ºC | ||
Melting Point | -98ºC | ||
Flash Point | 11.1ºC | ||
Viscosity | 0.544 cP at 25ºC | ||
Dielectric Constant | 33.00 at 20ºC | ||
Dipole Moment | 1.7 | ||
UV Cutoff | 210 nm | ||
Refractive Index | 1.329 at 20ºC | ||
Vapor Density | 1.11 (vs. air) | ||
Exact Mass | 32.026215 g/mol | ||
Monoisotopic Mass | 32.026215 g/mol |
Uses
Methanol is highly versatile and a critical component of olefins, formaldehyde, and hundreds of other chemicals.
About 40 percent of the methanol produced worldwide is used to make formaldehyde, which is ultimately used in plastics, plywood, paints, explosives, textiles, and many other products.
Methanol is a traditional denaturant for ethanol and used as a solvent, antifreeze ingredient, and windshield washer fluid. It is also used in automotive and marine fuel, DME and bioDME, biodiesel, fuel cells, electricity, and boilers and cookstoves.
Designations and Grades
| Property | Value | ||
|---|---|---|---|
CAS Number | 67-56-1 | ||
MDL Number | MFCD00004595 | ||
RIDAD /UN Number | UN 1230 3/PG 2 | ||
Beilstein Registry | 1098229 | ||
EG/EC Number | 2006596 | ||
NSC Number | 85232 | ||
ICSC Number | 0057 | ||
RTECS Number | 85232 |
Grades
ACS, ACS Reagent, Certified ACS
Anhydrous/Dry/Extra Dry
Biochemical
Electronic/Semiconductor
GC, Capillary GC
GC Gradient
GC/Pesticide Residue
Histological
HPLC Gradient
HPLC/UHPLC
Laboratory/Technical
LC-MS, Ultra LC-MS
Low Water
Mobile Phase
NF/USP
Purge and Trap
Sequencing
Spectrophotometry
Solvent Blends
Trace Metals
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