METHYL ALCOHOL

DESCRIPTION
Methyl alcohol, also known as methanol or wood alcohol, is a colorless, flammable liquid with a slightly sweet odor. 
Its chemical formula is CH₃OH. 
Methanol is the simplest alcohol, consisting of a single carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms and one hydroxyl group (-OH). 
Methyl alcohol is commonly used as a solvent, fuel, and antifreeze. 
Historically, methanol was produced by distilling wood, hence the name "wood alcohol," but it is now mostly synthesized from natural gas.
 
Cas Number
67-56-1
 
SYNONYMS
Methyl alcohol,Wood alcohol, Carbinol,Methylic alcohol,Wood spirit
 

Introduction to Methyl Alcohol (Methanol)
Definition and Chemical Structure
Methyl alcohol, commonly known as methanol (CH₃OH), is a simple alcohol and the simplest form of alcohol in terms of molecular structure. 

Methyl alcohol is colorless, flammable, and has a slightly sweet odor.
Its chemical structure consists of a single carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms (CH₃ group) and a hydroxyl group (-OH). 
This basic structure makes it a primary alcohol, distinguishing it from other alcohols like ethanol or isopropanol.
 
Natural Occurrence
Methanol occurs naturally in small amounts in the environment, as it is a by-product of biological processes in plants, animals, and some microorganisms. 
Methyl alcohol can be found in trace amounts in fruits, vegetables, and even in the human body as a metabolic product.
Methyl alcohol is also produced during the breakdown of organic material in the natural environment.

Industrial Production
Methanol is primarily produced through synthesis from natural gas (via the syngas route). 
Methane (the main component of natural gas) is subjected to high-pressure steam reforming to create carbon monoxide and hydrogen, which are then catalyzed into methanol.
Other production methods include biomass gasification and coal-based production methods, where renewable resources or fossil fuels are processed to produce methanol.
 
Physical and Chemical Properties
Physical Properties
Appearance: Methanol is a clear, colorless liquid.
Boiling Point: It has a boiling point of 64.7°C (148.5°F), which makes it more volatile than water.

Melting Point: Methanol freezes at approximately -98°C (-144°F).
Density: It has a density of 0.7918 g/cm³ at 20°C, which is lighter than water.
Solubility: Methanol is highly soluble in water and many organic solvents like acetone and ethanol. 

This makes it a versatile solvent in chemical reactions and formulations.
Chemical Properties
Reactivity: Methanol is reactive in nature, undergoing various chemical reactions such as esterification, oxidation, and substitution reactions. 
It reacts with acids to form esters and can also be oxidized to formaldehyde and acetic acid.

Flammability: Methanol is highly flammable, with a flashpoint of 11-12°C (52°F), which is lower than that of water. Its vapor is heavier than air and can spread quickly, making it dangerous in enclosed spaces.
 
Methods of Production
Synthesis from Natural Gas
Steam Reforming: The most common method involves steam reforming of methane (natural gas). 

In this process, methane reacts with steam at high temperatures in the presence of a catalyst to produce carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H₂). 
The CO and H₂ are then combined in a methanol synthesis reactor, where they react in the presence of a catalyst to form methanol.

Biomass Gasification
Methanol can also be produced from renewable biomass sources (wood, agricultural waste, etc.). 
In this process, organic matter is heated in a low-oxygen environment to produce syngas, which is then converted into methanol using similar catalysis to the natural gas process.
 
Coal-to-Methanol Process
In regions with abundant coal reserves, coal can be converted to methanol through a combination of gasification and the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process. 
This method is widely used in China, where coal reserves are vast.

Other Methods
Carbon Dioxide Utilization: In recent years, research has focused on capturing carbon dioxide (CO₂) from industrial emissions and converting it into methanol, offering a potential solution for carbon capture and utilization (CCU).
 
Applications of Methanol
Use in the Chemical Industry
Formaldehyde: One of the most significant uses of methanol is in the production of formaldehyde (HCHO), which is an essential component in the production of plastics, resins, and other chemical products.

Acetic Acid: Methanol is also a key feedstock for producing acetic acid, which is widely used in the manufacturing of synthetic fibers, plastics, and food additives.

Solvent Properties
Methanol is a polar solvent and can dissolve a wide range of polar and non-polar compounds. 
Methyl alcohol is used as a solvent in laboratories, industries, pharmaceuticals, and paints.

Fuel Applications
Alternative Fuel: Methanol is used in various energy applications, particularly in fuel cells and as a potential alternative to gasoline. It can be mixed with gasoline in various ratios (e.g., M85 – 85% methanol, 15% gasoline) for use in vehicles.
Biodiesel Production: Methanol is used in the transesterification process to produce biodiesel from vegetable oils and animal fats.
 
Recent Developments in Methanol Research
Green Methanol Production
Research is ongoing in producing methanol from renewable sources, such as biomass and waste materials, as well as through CO₂ recycling. 
This aligns with the push for sustainable and environmentally friendly production methods.

Emerging Technologies
New catalytic processes are being developed to enhance the efficiency of methanol synthesis, especially from non-fossil sources. 
Advances in electrochemical reduction of CO₂ and biological methanol production are promising avenues for future production.

Potential Future Uses
Methanol Economy: There is growing interest in the idea of a methanol economy, where methanol becomes a primary energy carrier in future energy systems, replacing or supplementing fossil fuels.
 

Summary of Key Points: Methanol is a vital chemical used in various industrial applications, particularly in the production of formaldehyde, acetic acid, and fuel. 
Methyl alcohol is produced mainly from natural gas but also from renewable sources like biomass. 
While it has numerous benefits, methanol's toxicity poses significant health risks and requires careful handling.
 
Future Perspectives: As the world shifts towards more sustainable practices, methanol's role in energy, especially in renewable and carbon-neutral technologies, is expected to expand. 
With ongoing research, methanol may play a pivotal role in a cleaner and more efficient global economy.

SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT METHYL ALCOHOL
 
 
 
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician. 
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
 
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air. 
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately. 
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
 
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
 
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting. 
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. 
Rinse mouth with water. 
Consult a physician.
 
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
 
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment. 
 
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas. 
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
 
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
 
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste. 
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
 
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
 
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. 
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
 
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
 
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles. 
Faceshield (8-inch minimum). 
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
 
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves. 
Gloves must be inspected prior to use. 
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. 
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. 
Wash and dry hands.
 
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
 
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls. 
 
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator. 
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. 
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
 
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions. 
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
 
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. 
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product