Applications

• Used as a raw material for the production of chemicals such as formaldehyde, acetic acid, and methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE).
• Used as a solvent in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, paints, and plastics.
• Used as a fuel in racing cars, remote power generation, and industrial boilers, either on its own or blended with gasoline.
• Used as an antifreeze in cooling systems due to its ability to lower the freezing point of water.

General

Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol, wood alcohol or carbinol, is a colourless, flammable and volatile liquid with the chemical formula CH3OH. It is the simplest alcohol, composed of one carbon atom, three hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom.

Methanol has a wide range of uses, with its largest application being as a raw material for the production of chemicals such as formaldehyde, acetic acid, and methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE). It is also used as a solvent in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, paints, and plastics.

Methanol is also used as a fuel, either on its own or blended with gasoline, particularly in racing cars, remote power generation, and as a fuel for industrial boilers. It is also used as an antifreeze in cooling systems due to its ability to lower the freezing point of water.

However, methanol can be toxic when ingested, inhaled or absorbed through the skin, and it can cause serious health problems or even death. Therefore, proper precautions must be taken when handling and storing methanol, and it should be used only in properly ventilated areas.

Overall, methanol is a versatile and widely used chemical with various applications in industry, as a fuel, and as a solvent, but its toxic nature requires careful handling and usage.

Hazards

Hazard Class: 3

Packing Group: 2

Hazard Phrases: Highly flammable liquid and vapour.

Prec Phrases: Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. In case of fire: Use Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.