ametüülalkohol

Ametüülalkohol, also known as methanol, is the simplest alcohol with the chemical formula CH3OH. It is a colorless, volatile, flammable liquid with a distinctive odor that is often described as being similar to ethanol but sharper. Methanol is miscible with water and most organic solvents.

Historically, methanol was produced by the destructive distillation of wood, leading to its common name "wood alcohol." Today, the vast majority of methanol is produced synthetically from natural gas through a process called steam reforming, which produces synthesis gas (syngas), a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. This syngas is then catalytically converted into methanol.

Methanol is a crucial industrial chemical and a precursor to many other products. It is used in the production of formaldehyde, which is essential for manufacturing various plastics, resins, and adhesives. Methanol is also a key ingredient in the production of acetic acid, a component of vinegar and a solvent. Furthermore, it finds application as a solvent, an antifreeze additive, and a fuel additive.

Due to its toxicity, methanol is not safe for consumption. Ingesting even small amounts can cause serious health problems, including blindness, organ damage, and death, as it is metabolized in the body to formaldehyde and formic acid. It is important to handle methanol with appropriate safety precautions, including good ventilation and personal protective equipment, to avoid inhalation or skin contact.