Methyl Alcohol

What is Methyl Alcohol (Methanol)?

Molecular Formula (Methyl Alcohol (Methanol)): CH₃OH

Molecular Weight: 32.042 g/mol

Chemical Name: Methyl Alcohol, Methanol

CAS Number: 67-56-1

Methyl Alcohol (Methanol) is also known as wood alcohol. It does not have a very good reputation among the public. It has been used in the production of illicit liquor due to its low cost. As a result, many people have been poisoned and harmed. For this reason, Methanol has created a negative impression among the public.

The formula for Methyl Alcohol is CH3COH.

This is the simplest type of alcohol formula.

Methyl Alcohol is the simplest type of alcohol. It is a polar liquid at room temperature. It is the simplest fatty alcohol. It has the general properties of a primary aliphatic alcohol. It can be oxidized to produce Formaldehyde, Formic Acid, and Carbon Dioxide.

Other Names Are as Follows;

• Methanol
• 67-56-1
• Wood Alcohol
• Methylol
• Methyl Hydroxide
• Carbinol
• Methyl Hydrate
• MeOH
• Hydroxy Methane
• Monohydroxymethane
• Alcohol, Methyl
• Methyl

How is it Produced?

It is produced based on the principles of the low-pressure methanol process, through the catalytic conversion of synthesis gas into Methyl Alcohol (Methanol).

The low-pressure system is preferred because it has lower investment costs, lower production costs, allows for safer operations during the production process, and provides flexibility in the size of the facility to be established for Methanol production.

Production catalysts, such as copper, that operate at low temperatures are used in modern Methanol production.

Natural gas is the most economical and widely used raw material for Methyl Alcohol production. In China, the most common raw material is coal.

Low-pressure Methanol production was developed in the late 1960s.

What are the Physical and Chemical Properties of Methyl Alcohol?

In terms of its properties, Methanol is often confused with Ethanol. However, their areas of application are very different from each other.

Like Ethyl alcohol, it is a colorless, highly volatile liquid with a slightly sharp odor. It is completely miscible with water. Methyl (Methanol) vapors are slightly heavier than air.

Its physical appearance is that of a colorless liquid. In its pure form, it has a faint alcoholic odor.

Boiling point is 65.4 °C.

Melting point is -98 °C.

Density is 0.791 g/mL.

In terms of solubility, it is miscible with benzene.

It is miscible with Ethanol, ether, benzene, many organic solvents, and ketones.

It is soluble in acetone and chloroform.

How is it Stored?

It should be stored in areas that do not receive direct sunlight and are not flammable or explosive.

Methanol can be stored in IBC tanks and plastic barrels.

Extreme caution should be exercised during storage as Methyl's boiling point is very low.

What are the Usage Areas of Methyl Alcohol?

• It is used as an antifreeze, solvent, fuel, and as a denaturant for ethanol.
• It is used in solvents produced for cleaning hard surfaces.
• Methanol is used to produce biodiesel through the chemical transesterification reaction.
• Methanol is used as a denaturant additive in the production of ethanol for industrial purposes.
• Using methanol, Acetic acid or acetic anhydride can be produced through carbonylation.
• It is the main raw material in the production of formaldehyde. Two types of catalysts are used in this production reaction. One is a silver catalyst and the other is a metal oxide catalyst. The production in the presence of the first catalyst yields a 50-60% efficiency. The remaining amount is produced in the presence of the second catalyst.
• Its uses include the production of hydrocarbon chains and aromatic systems.
• It is used in polymer production. In this field, it is used as a solvent.
• It is used as a laboratory chemical.
• It can be used in the production of chemicals such as sulfonamides, amines, etc.
• Methanol is a very important type of alcohol for the production of dimethyl terephthalate, methyl methacrylate, acrylic acid, and methyl esters.
• It is used in laboratory work for the determination of boron.
• It is used as an anti-freezing agent.
• Methanol is used as a solvent for the separation of calcium sulfate and magnesium sulfate.
• It is the most suitable alcohol derivative for the separation of strontium bromide and barium bromide.
• Methanol is a good alternative fuel source. This is because its flash point is low, which means it is conducive to rapid combustion. Therefore, it is used in racing cars.
• It is also used for cooling engines due to its high heat of vaporization.
• It is used in the manufacture of adhesives and sealants.
• It is used as an anti-scaling agent in the manufacture of corrosion inhibitors.
• Methyl (Methanol) is used as an industrial wastewater treatment agent.
• It is used in the manufacture of automotive care products.
• It is used in the manufacture of some agricultural chemicals.
• Methyl Alcohol is used in the production of chafing fuel to take advantage of its properties as a solvent and flammable substance.
• It is used together with Methylene Chloride to increase its solvent power for dissolving asphalt pitch, which consists of high molecular weight hydrocarbons.
• It is used in electrical and electronic products.
• In the biodiesel production process, it reacts with oil to initiate the production cycle.
• Methanol is used in the manufacture of air care products.
• It can be used for disinfection purposes in industrial environments or for environmental disinfection in areas without human contact. 

What are the Factors Affecting its Price?

The price of Methyl Alcohol (Methanol) is directly linked to the raw materials used in its production. As the price of natural gas increases, the price of Methyl (Methanol) will increase.

A decrease in the number of coal mines in China will have an increasing effect on the price of methanol. This is because China is the largest consumer of methanol. A shortage of raw materials there will affect global markets.

The price of Methyl Alcohol (Methanol) can vary depending on production facilities. As the number of facilities producing this chemical increases, the price of Methanol will temporarily decrease.

The price of Methanol will increase as its areas of use expand. This is because the produced Methanol will not be sufficient to meet the demand. Therefore, the price of Methanol will increase.

Note: The sale of Methyl Alcohol is controlled. We do not sell Methyl Alcohol.