Abstract
The modern method of preparing methanol is based on the direct combination of carbon monoxide gas and hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst at
elevated temperatures and pressures. Most methanol is produced from the methane component of natural gas.
Pure methanol is an important material in chemical synthesis. Its derivatives are used in great quantities for building up a vast number of compounds,
among them many important synthetic dyestuffs, resins, drugs, and perfumes. Large quantities are converted to dimethylaniline for dyestuffs
and to formaldehyde for synthetic resins. It is also used in automotive antifreezes, in rocket fuels, and as a general solvent.
Methanol is also a high-octane, clean-burning fuel that is a potentially important substitute for gasoline in automotive vehicles.
Methanol is a colorless liquid, completely miscible with water and organic solvents and is very hygroscopic. It boils at 64.96° C (148.93° F) and
solidifies at -93.9° C (-137° F). It forms explosive mixtures with air and burns with a nonluminous flame. It is a violent poison; drinking mixtures
containing methanol has caused many cases of blindness or death. Methanol has a settled odor.
Methanol is a potent nerve poison. Key physical properties are: