Chemical Properties of Methanol
Methyl alcohol, also known as wood alcohol, is the simplest alcohol containing just one carbon atom. Its chemical formula is CH3OH. Methyl alcohol is a colorless, volatile and flammable liquid with a distinctive alcoholic odor. It is miscible in water and also soluble in common organic solvents. Methyl alcohol has a melting point of -97.6°C and a boiling point of 64.7°C. The density of Methyl alcohol is 0.791 g/cm3, which is slightly less than that of water.
Methyl alcohol is produced both naturally and synthetically. Naturally, it is produced during the anaerobic fermentation of biomass and as a product of burning biomass. Commercially, Methyl alcohol is synthesized from synthesis gas, a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Its commercial production involves multiple catalytic reactions where carbon monoxide and hydrogen are converted to Methyl alcohol in the presence of a catalyst, usually copper or zinc oxide.
Uses of Methanol
The main industrial uses of Methyl alcohol include:
– Production of formaldehyde: Around 50% of commercially produced Methyl alcohol is converted to formaldehyde, which is used to manufacture building materials, plastics and various resins.
– Production of gasoline: Methyl alcohol is used as a blending component in gasolines. Methyl-tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) is produced from Methyl alcohol and is used as a gasoline additive to improve octane rating.
– Solvent applications: Methanol works as a polar protic solvent and finds usage in cleaners, de-icers, paint strippers and other chemical products.
– Production of biodiesel: Methyl alcohol along with a catalyst is used to produce biodiesel via transesterification of triglycerides present in vegetable oils and animal fats.
– Production of dimethyl ether: Dimethyl ether, an alternative fuel, is manufactured by the chemical reaction of Methyl alcohol with itself in the presence of an acid catalyst.
– Production of acetic acid: Acetic acid, commonly known as vinegar, can be produced commercially by the catalytic carbonylation of Methyl alcohol.
– Feedstock in chemical industry: Methyl alcohol is an important building block in the production of a variety of chemicals including plastics, resins, fibers etc. It helps in manufacturing products like polyester, acrylic fibers, formaldehyde resins and others.
Hazards Associated with Methyl alcohol
While Methyl alcohol serves many useful industrial functions, it also poses certain health hazards if exposed to it. Some key hazards of Methyl alcohol include:
– Toxicity: Methyl alcohol is toxic to human body and can cause eye irritation, headaches, dizziness, nausea, decreased vision, coma and even death if ingested accidentally in high doses.
– Flammability: Being highly volatile and flammable in nature, Methyl alcohol poses a fire hazard. Its flammable range in air is wide with lower limit of 6% and upper limit of 36%. Even small fires can rapidly get out of control if Methyl alcohol is involved.
– Cumulative poisoning: Methyl alcohol gets absorbed in the body via inhalation, ingestion or skin contact. It gets distributed in the body through bloodstream. The metabolites of Methyl alcohol can accumulate in the body and cause damage to the optic nerve over time with repeated or long-term exposure.
– Formic acid poisoning: Methyl alcohol is converted inside the body to toxic formic acid. This formic acid causes metabolic acidosis and eye damage. It can impair vision and even lead to permanent blindness.
– Lack of odor: Unlike ethanol, Methyl alcohol has a very faint odor that is hardly perceptible. This makes it difficult to detect Methyl alcohol contamination or leakages without specialized equipment.
– Environmental hazard: When released into air, water or soil, Methyl alcohol poses a contamination risk. It is readily biodegradable but high concentrations can still be toxic to various organisms in the environment.
Precautions for Handling Methyl alcohol
Given the serious dangers associated with Methyl alcohol exposure, the following precautions are recommended while handling this alcohol:
– Use proper ventilation and closed systems during production or usage to prevent inhalation hazards.
– Wear gloves, goggles and other personal protective equipment when working with Methyl alcohol.
– Do not consume food or drinks where Methyl alcohol is used or stored to avoid accidental ingestion.
– Clearly label all Methyl alcohol containers and pipes. Monitor them regularly for any leaks or spills.
– Store Methyl alcohol in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area away from heat and direct sunlight.
– Have emergency eyewash and shower facilities readily available in case Methyl alcohol splashes or spills on skin or eyes.
– Learn the emergency first aid measures for Methyl alcohol poisoning like gastric lavage and sodium bicarbonate dosing.
– Dispose of waste Methyl alcohol as per environmental regulations to prevent groundwater or soil contamination.
Proper handling and risk mitigation practices are necessary for safe use of Methyl alcohol in industrial applications due to the various hazards this alcohol poses to human health and environment. Continuous worker training and compliance with safety protocols saves lives.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author – Ravina Pandya
Ravina Pandya,a content writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemicals and materials, etc. With an MBA in E-commerce, she has expertise in SEO-optimized content that resonates with industry professionals. LinkedIn Profile