Methanol

Methanol, is also known as methyl alcohol or wood alcohol. It is the simplest alcohol, consisting of a methyl group (CH₃) linked to a hydroxyl group (-OH). Methanol is highly soluble in water and is commonly used as a solvent, fuel, and chemical intermediate in industries.

Chemical Formula: CH₃OH

Appearance: a clear, colorless liquid with a slightly sweet odor.

Uses:

• Solvent: Methanol is a versatile solvent with excellent solvency properties for polar and nonpolar compounds. It is commonly used as a solvent in industrial processes, chemical synthesis, and laboratory applications.

• Chemical Analysis: Methanol is used as a solvent and reagent in analytical chemistry methods, including chromatography, spectrophotometry, and titration. It is used to prepare standard solutions, calibrate instruments, and perform sample preparation and extraction in laboratory analyses.

• Additional Applications: Methanol is used as a cleaning agent and degreasing solvent in industrial applications, such as surface cleaning, parts washing, and equipment maintenance. It is effective for removing oils, grease, dirt, and contaminants from surfaces and equipment.

• Antifreeze Agent: Methanol is also commonly used as an antifreeze agent in automotive cooling systems and as a deicing agent for aircraft, runways, and roads. Methanol-based antifreeze solutions are used to lower the freezing point of water and prevent engine coolant from freezing in cold climates.