Applications of Methanol

Methanol is the simplest alcohol, containing one carbon atom. It is a colourless, tasteless liquid with a faint odor, commonly known as "wood alcohol." Methanol is used to produce many synthetic organic compounds and forms part of many commercially available solvents. Some of the better known chemicals are formaldehyde, chloromethanes, methylamines, DMT, pesticides, various bulk drugs, methyl methacrylate, dye intermediates, etc.

In your home, you are likely to find methanol in windshield wiper fluids and de-icers, antifreeze, glass cleaner, canned heat, paints, varnishes, paint thinners and removers. Increasingly, methanol is one of a number of fuels that could substitute for petrol (gasoline) or diesel in automobiles. Compared to other fuels, methanol is less polluting, less flammable, provides high performance and is economically attractive.