Methanol is a light, volatile, colorless, flammable liquid with a distinctive alcoholic odor.
67-56-1
Methyl alcohol;Wood alcohol;Carbinol
CH4O
Flammable
Alcohol , Solvents , Organic Intermediate , Raw Material
Colorless liquid
64.7
0.791
11
-97.6
32.04
Alcohol-like
1.328
Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol or wood alcohol, is a simple aliphatic alcohol characterized by its molecular formula CH₃OH. It is a volatile, colorless, and flammable liquid with a distinctive alcoholic odor. Methanol is widely utilized across various industries, thanks to its versatile properties and chemical composition. In the chemical industry, methanol serves as a fundamental building block in the synthesis of formaldehyde, acetic acid, and an array of other chemicals. Its role as a solvent makes it invaluable in the manufacture of resins, dyes, and pharmaceuticals. Methanol is also used as an antifreeze in pipelines and windshield washer fluids. In the realm of energy, methanol stands out as a clean-burning fuel and an efficient feedstock for biodiesel production. Furthermore, methanol finds application in waste treatment processes and as a denaturant for ethanol. With its comprehensive range of applications, methanol is a crucial component in both industrial and consumer products.