Methanol: Overview
Description
Methanol is present in fuels as a petrol additive. It is used as an industrial solvent, as a solvent in a number of insecticide and fungicide formulations and is used as a reagent for chemicals such as formaldehyde, acetic acid, chloromethanes, cholesterol, antibiotics, vitamins, hormones and other pharmaceuticals. Methanol is used in antifreeze or in paint strippers, aerosol and non-aerosol spray paints, in some glass cleaners and as a fuel for picnic stoves and soldering torches. Methanol can be used as an extractant for animal and vegetable oils.
Substance details
Substance name: Methanol
CASR number: 67-56-1
Molecular formula: CH4O
Synonyms: methyl alcohol, carbinol, wood alcohol, wood spirits
Physical properties
Methanol is a clear, colourless liquid with a characteristic odour. It is highly flammable. Methanol is used to dissolve other chemical substances and mixes readily with water and many organic liquids. Methanol is considered a volatile organic compound by the National Pollutant Inventory.
Melting point: -97.6°C
Boiling point: 64.7°C
Specific gravity: 0.7915
Flash point: 12°C
Chemical properties
Methanol rapidly absorbs water from the air. It mixes readily with most organic liquids.
Further information
The National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) holds data for all sources of methanol emissions in Australia.
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