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Overview
Methyl alcohol (METH-uhl AL-ko-hol) is a clear, colorless, flammable, toxic liquid with a slightly alcoholic odor and taste. Methyl alcohol is the simplest alcohol, a family of organic compounds characterized by the presence of one or more hydroxyl (-OH) groups.
Key Facts
Other Names:
Methanol; wood alcohol; wood spirit; carbinol
Formula:
CH3OH
Elements:
Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen
Compound Type:
Alcohol (organic)
State:
Liquid
Molecular Weight:
32.04 g/mol
Melting Point:
−97.53°C (−143.6°F)
Boiling Point:
64.6°C (148°F)
Solubility:
Miscible with water, ethyl alcohol, ether, acetone, and many other organic solvents
How It Is Made
Methyl alcohol occurs naturally in plants and animals, including humans, as the product of metabolic reactions that occur in all organisms. It also occurs in the atmosphere as the result of the decomposition of dead organisms in the soil. None of these sources is utilized for the commercial production of methyl alcohol. Instead...
This section contains 1,000 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) |
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