Methyl alcohol

Methyl Alcohol

Methyl alcohol, also known as methanol, is a simple alcohol with the chemical formula CH3OH. It is a light, volatile, colorless, flammable liquid with a distinctive odor similar to that of ethanol (drinking alcohol).

History[edit | edit source]

Methyl alcohol was first isolated in 1661 by Robert Boyle, who called it "spirit of box," due to its production from boxwood. It later became known as "wood alcohol" because it was first produced as a byproduct of the destructive distillation of wood.

Production[edit | edit source]

Methanol is primarily produced industrially by hydrogenation of carbon monoxide. It can also be produced by the destructive distillation of wood or the hydration of carbon monoxide.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Methyl alcohol is used as an antifreeze, solvent, fuel, and as a denaturant for ethanol. It is also used to produce formaldehyde and other chemical compounds.

Health effects[edit | edit source]

Exposure to methyl alcohol can cause a range of health effects, from minor issues like skin irritation to serious problems like blindness and death. It is toxic by ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption.

References[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

CDC - NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

Methyl alcohol Resources
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