Methanol

Also known as wood alcohol, is a toxic, colorless, flammable liquid with a wide range of uses. Here’s a clearer breakdown of its properties and applications:

  • Chemical formula: CH₃OH
  • Appearance: Colorless liquid with a mild alcohol-like odor
  • Toxicity: Highly poisonous if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through skin — it can cause blindness, organ damage, or death
  • Flammability: Burns with a nearly invisible flame

Application & Usage

Industrial Solvent

  • Used in paints, resins, and adhesives

Fuel & Energy

  • Component in biodiesel and gasoline blends
  • Used in racing fuels and as a hydrogen carrier in fuel cells

Antifreeze & Cleaning Products

  • Found in windshield washer fluid, antifreeze solutions, and other cleaners.

Chemical Feedstock - a starting material for making:

  • Formaldehyde (used in plastics, plywood, textiles)
  • Acetic acid (vinegar, polymers, coatings)
  • Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE, a gasoline additive)