Methanol

Methanol also known as Methyl Alcohol is a clear, colorless liquid, it is fairly volatile, flammable, and unlike Ethanol, poisonous for human consumption. Methanol completely mixes with water. The vapors are slightly heavier than air and may travel some distance to a source of ignition.

Small amounts of Methanol occur naturally in many living organisms as part of their metabolic processes. Foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, fruit juices, fermented beverages, and diet soft drinks containing Aspartame are the primary sources of Methanol in the human body.

Applications:

Methanol is primarily used as an industrial solvent to help create inks, resins, adhesives, and dyes. Methanol is also used as a solvent in the manufacture of important pharmaceutical ingredients and products such as cholesterol, streptomycin, vitamins and hormones.

Methanol has chemical properties which allow it to lower the freezing point of a water-based liquid and increase its boiling point. These attributes lead Methanol to be used as an antifreeze in windshield washer fluid to keep the cleaning fluid from freezing. Methanol is also injected in natural gas pipelines, where it lowers the freezing point of water during oil and gas transport.

Roughly 45 percent of the world’s Methanol is used in energy-related applications. Methanol can be used as a type of vehicle fuel or marine fuel for boats. Methanol can also be blended into Gasoline to produce an efficient fuel known as Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) which can have lower emissions than conventional Gasoline.

Methanol also is used in biodiesel, a renewable type of fuel made from plants or animal fats that can be used in place of, or blended into, conventional fuel. Methanol is also used to remove water from automotive and aviation fuels.

Methanol is as an intermediate in chemical synthesis and a variety of other chemicals, including Acetic Acid and pesticide.

Safety:

In the industrial setting, inhalation of high concentrations of Methanol vapor and absorption of Methanol through the skin are as effective as the oral route in producing toxic effects.

Exposure to excessive vapor of Methanol by inhalation or ingestion may result in eye irritation, blurred vision, headache, dizziness, and nausea.

Storage:

Keep Methanol in a dry, cool and well-ventilated place. Keep Methanol away from heat, sparks, flame and all sources of ignition and incompatible materials. Keep containers tightly closed. Containers of Methanol which are opened must be carefully resealed.