Methanol | CAS: 67-56-1 | CH4O
Methanol, also named methyl alcohol or hydroxymethane, is an organic compound and the simplest saturated monohydric alcohol. Its chemical formula is CH3OH, CH4O The CAS number is 67-56 -1. Methanol is mainly used in the production of formaldehyde, pesticides, alcohol, etc.
Characteristics of Methanol
| Molecular Formula | CH3OH |
|---|---|
| CAS number | 67-56-1 |
| Formula Weight | 32.04 |
| Appearance | Colorless transparent liquid |
| Boiling Point | 65.4 °C(lit.) |
| Melting point | -98 °C(lit.) |
| Purity | 99% |
| Package | drum |
Use of Methanol
Methanol, also known as wood alcohol, is a colorless liquid with a slightly sweet and pungent odor. It has many industrial, scientific, and commercial applications, including:
- Methanol is used to manufacture various organic products such as methyl chloride, methylamine and dimethyl sulfate. It is also the raw material of pesticides (insecticides, acaricides), medicines (sulfonamides, synmycins, etc.), and one of the raw materials for the synthesis of dimethyl terephthalate, methyl methacrylate and methyl acrylate.
- Solvent: Methanol can be used as solventin paint, ink, and varnish.
- Chemical feedstock: Methanol is used as a precursor to produce other chemicals such as formaldehyde, acetic acid, and methyl isocyanate.The consumption of acetic acid accounts for about 7% of the global demand for methanol, and it can produce vinyl acetate, cellulose acetate and acetate, etc., and its demand is closely related to the demand for coatings, adhesives and textiles.
- Pharmaceuticals: Methanol is used in the production of various medications like antibiotics and vitamins.Methanol can synthesized methanol protein. Methanol protein produced by microbial fermentation using methanol as raw material is called the second-generation single-cell protein. Compared with natural protein, it has higher nutritional value, and the crude protein content is much higher than fishmeal and soybean. And it is rich in amino acids, minerals and vitamins, and can replace fish, soybean, bone meal, meat and milk powder.
- Antifreeze: Methanol is used as an antifreeze in windshield washer fluid, gas line antifreeze, and de-icing solutions.
- Laboratory usage: Methanol is commonly used in scientific research, particularly as a solvent and reagent in chemistry experiments.
- Energy storage: Methanol fuel cells are being developed as a method of energy storage for renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.
- It can be used in the manufacture of growth promoters. It can greatly increase crop production, keep branches and leaves fresh, strong and luxuriant, and will not wither in summer, and can greatly reduce irrigation water, which is beneficial to the growth of dryland crops.
However, it is important to note that methanol is toxic and can be dangerous if ingested or inhaled. It should be handled with extreme caution and used only in controlled industrial settings.
Precautions for Methanol Production
The toxicity of methanol has the greatest impact on the nervous system and blood system of the human body. It will produce toxic reactions if it is ingested through the digestive tract, respiratory tract or skin. Methanol vapor can damage the human respiratory mucosa and vision.
In our Jialong production plant, according to the regulations of relevant Chinese departments, the concentration of methanol in the air is limited to PC-stel=50mg/m3 and PC-TWA=25mg/m3. Employees need to be protected during production, and factory wastewater must be treated before it can be discharged.