Methanol
$ 1.15
Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol or wood alcohol, is a clear, colorless, volatile, and flammable liquid with a distinct alcoholic odor. It is the simplest alcohol and is widely used as an industrial solvent, antifreeze, fuel, and chemical feedstock. Methanol is highly miscible with water and many organic solvents and serves as a precursor to numerous chemicals including formaldehyde, acetic acid, and various plastic
Methanol
Primary Uses
- Chemical Feedstock
- Used extensively in the production of formaldehyde, acetic acid, and other chemicals.
- Precursor in the manufacture of plastics, paints, adhesives, and explosives.
- Fuel and Energy
- Used as a fuel in internal combustion engines and fuel cells.
- Serves as a denaturant for ethanol and as a component in biodiesel production.
- Solvent Applications
- Employed as a solvent for resins, dyes, adhesives, and inks.
- Used in windshield washer fluids and antifreeze products.
- Pharmaceutical and Laboratory Use
- Utilized as a solvent and reagent in pharmaceutical synthesis and laboratory settings.
Secondary Uses
- Wastewater Treatment
- Used as a carbon source in denitrification processes.
- Extractive Distillation
- Applied in processes to separate aromatic hydrocarbons.
- Denaturing Agent
- Added to ethanol to make it unfit for human consumption.
- Paint and Coatings Industry
- Used as a solvent and diluent in various coatings and paint formulations.
- Automotive Industry
- Used in windshield washer fluids and as a fuel additive.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Methanol
- Common/Trade Name: Methanol, Methyl Alcohol
- CAS Number: 67-56-1
- HS Code: 2905.11.00
- Synonyms: Wood alcohol; methyl hydrate; carbinol
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Liquid
- Color & Odor: Colorless; characteristic alcoholic odor
- Boiling Point: 64.7°C
- Melting Point: -97.6°C
- Flash Point: 11°C (closed cup)
- Density: 0.792 g/cm³ at 20°C
- Solubility: Miscible with water and most organic solvents
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification: Flammable liquid, Category 2; Acute toxicity, Category 3 (oral and inhalation)
- Toxicity: Highly toxic if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through skin
- Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL - 200 ppm (260 mg/m³); ACGIH TLV - 200 ppm
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, well-ventilated area away from ignition sources and incompatible materials
- Container Type: Supplied in metal drums, plastic containers, or bulk tanks designed for flammable liquids
- Shelf Life: Stable under proper storage conditions for several years
- Handling Precautions: Use explosion-proof equipment; avoid inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact; wear appropriate PPE
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Complies with international chemical safety standards and regulations (e.g., REACH, OSHA, EPA)
- Listed on major chemical inventories worldwide
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable
- Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic life; avoid release to environment
- Bioaccumulation: Low potential for bioaccumulation
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required: Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, flame-resistant clothing, and respiratory protection as needed
- Handling Guidelines: Use in well-ventilated areas; prevent vapor accumulation; ground and bond containers during transfer
- Storage Measures: Keep containers tightly closed; store away from oxidizers and incompatible substances
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately; seek medical attention if breathing difficulties occur
- Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; wash skin thoroughly with soap and water
- Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention
- Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; seek immediate medical assistance
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Highly flammable liquid and vapor
- Extinguishing Media: Use alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide extinguishers
- Special Precautions: Evacuate area; wear full protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus
- Hazardous Combustion Products: May produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and formaldehyde
Related products
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Diethyl Glycol
Diethyl Glycol is a clear, colorless, hygroscopic, and viscous liquid with a mild odor. It is a diol with two hydroxyl groups, making it a versatile chemical intermediate and solvent. DEG is miscible with water, alcohols, and many organic solvents. It is widely used in the manufacture of plasticizers, solvents, resins, and as an intermediate in chemical syntheses. Due to its high boiling point and solvent properties, DEG finds broad applications across industrial, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors.
Engine Cleaner
Engine Cleaner (also known as Engine Degreaser) is a heavy-duty, solvent-based or aqueous-based chemical formulation designed to dissolve, emulsify, and remove stubborn petroleum-based contaminants from mechanical assemblies. Its primary function is to cut through and lift accumulated engine oil, grease, grime, carbon deposits, and road tar from internal combustion engines, machinery parts, and automotive components. Technical-grade engine cleaner is engineered for industrial, automotive repair, and fleet maintenance applications. It is not intended for use on active electronic components, certain plastics, or as a general-purpose household cleaner due to its potent chemical strength and potential corrosivity.
Methyl Acetate
Methyl Acetate is a colorless, volatile, and flammable liquid with a pleasant, fruity odor. It is an ester formed from methanol and acetic acid and is widely used as a solvent in coatings, adhesives, inks, and cleaning products. Known for its excellent solvency power and fast evaporation rate, methyl acetate is preferred in industrial and commercial applications where quick drying is essential.
N-Butanol
N-Butanol (1-butanol) is a four-carbon linear alcohol with the chemical formula C₄H₉OH. It is a colorless, flammable liquid with a mild, alcoholic odor. N-Butanol is widely used as a solvent in paints, coatings, adhesives, and chemical synthesis. It serves as an intermediate in the manufacture of plasticizers, butyl acrylate, and other chemicals. Its moderate volatility and solvent properties make it valuable in industrial and commercial applications.
Normal Butanol
Normal Butanol is a straight-chain primary alcohol with the chemical formula C4H10O. It is a colorless, flammable liquid with a characteristic alcoholic odor. Known for its good solvent properties and moderate evaporation rate, n-Butanol is widely used in industrial applications such as solvents for paints, coatings, adhesives, and as an intermediate in chemical synthesis.
Toluene
Toluene is a clear, colorless aromatic hydrocarbon solvent with a distinct sweet odor. It is widely used as an industrial solvent and chemical feedstock due to its excellent solvency, volatility, and chemical stability. Toluene plays a critical role in the production of paints, coatings, adhesives, rubber, and various chemicals. It is also used as a fuel additive and in the manufacture of explosives and pharmaceuticals. Its versatility makes it a cornerstone in multiple industrial sectors.
Trichloroethylene
Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a clear, non-flammable chlorinated solvent with a sweet, chloroform-like odor. It is widely used as an industrial solvent for degreasing and cleaning metal parts, thanks to its excellent ability to dissolve oils, greases, and waxes. Trichloroethylene is also used as a chemical intermediate and in the manufacture of adhesives, paints, and coatings. Its volatility and solvency make it essential in many manufacturing and maintenance processes, although use is regulated due to environmental and health concerns.

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