What Is Methanol?
Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol, wood spirit, or carbinol, is the simplest form of alcohol. It’s produced primarily from natural gas or coal gas through sophisticated processes involving high temperatures and pressures. As a Class 4 hazardous alcohol with the lowest flash point among alcohols, methanol demands careful handling.
Uses of Methanol
As a fundamental chemical raw material, methanol is crucial for producing acetic acid, formaldehyde, phenolic resins, and adhesives, and serves as a solvent in numerous chemical reactions. Its role in energy sectors, such as in gasoline additives, biodiesel fuel, and as a hydrogen source for fuel cells, is increasingly significant.
Properties of Methanol
Clear, colorless, and with a pungent odor, methanol melts at -97°C and boils at 64.7°C. Its solubility spans across water, ethanol, benzene, and ether. Highly flammable, methanol’s vapor can lead to explosive reactions, and its light blue flames are nearly invisible in daylight. Methanol poisoning, potentially fatal, can result from ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact, with symptoms including blindness.
Other Information on Methanol
1. Methanol Manufacturing Process
Methanol is typically synthesized from natural gas, using a reaction between carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a copper oxide-zinc oxide/alumina catalyst. Alternative methods include wood distillation, bacterial fermentation, and as a byproduct in the wine fermentation process.
2. Reaction of Methanol
Methanol combustion produces carbon dioxide and water, while its oxidation on heated copper yields formaldehyde. Toxic to humans, methanol’s metabolism generates formic acid, causing potential blindness and metabolic acidosis. Methanol reacts with sodium to produce sodium methoxide and hydrogen.
3. Fuel Reforming With Methanol
Heated methanol generates syngas, enhancing fuel thermal efficiency due to its endothermic combustion reaction. Methanol is also explored as a fuel for hydrogen fuel cells, promising higher energy efficiency than direct methanol fuel cells, albeit with challenges related to carbon monoxide poisoning of platinum-based cells.