metüülalkohol

Metüülalkohol, also known as methanol, is the simplest alcohol with the chemical formula CH3OH. It is a colorless, volatile, flammable liquid with a distinctive odor. Methanol is miscible with water and most organic solvents.

Industrially, methanol is primarily produced from natural gas through a process involving steam reforming and synthesis. It is also a byproduct of wood distillation, hence its historical name "wood alcohol."

Methanol is a crucial industrial chemical and a versatile feedstock. Its main uses include the production of formaldehyde, which is then used to manufacture resins, plastics, and adhesives. It is also a precursor for the production of acetic acid and various methyl esters. Methanol can be used as a solvent in various applications and as a fuel additive, either directly or by conversion into methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) or other fuel oxygenates.

Despite its industrial importance, methanol is highly toxic to humans. Ingestion, inhalation, or skin absorption can lead to serious health effects, including blindness, organ damage, and death. The toxicity is due to its metabolism into formaldehyde and formic acid in the body. Due to its toxicity and flammability, methanol requires careful handling and storage.