Methanol (CH₃OH) is also known as methyl alcohol or wood alcohol. It is the simplest form of alcohol & also a great commodity chemical. As a colorless, volatile as well as flammable liquid with a mild alcoholic odor. Methanol plays a very significant role in modern industry. It is produced industrially via catalytic hydrogenation of carbon monoxide or via synthesis gas routes. It offers high yields as well as cost efficiency. Methanol serves as a building block for paints, plastics, solvents & also fuels. Its use is being expanded toward energy applications such as biodiesel, dimethyl ether (DME) as well as fuel cells. With robust regulatory interest in low carbon solutions, methanol is increasingly favored globally. Specifically from reliable exporter, suppliers like Shakti Chemicals.
It (chemical formula CH₃OH) is the simplest alcohol, comprising a single methyl group bonded to a hydroxyl group. It is a polar solvent with a lower boiling point (64.7 °C) and density (~0.7918 g/cm³ at 20 °C) compared to water, making it highly miscible and easy to vaporize. Industrially, methanol is synthesized using syngas (a mixture of CO, CO₂, H₂) over metal catalysts such as copper-zinc on alumina, under elevated temperature and pressure (typically ~250–300 °C, 50–100 bar). Alternative pathways include bio-derived and renewable methods, including electrolytic CO₂ reduction.
Methanol’s high octane rating and oxygen content make it useful as a clean-burning component in fuel blends, reducing particulate and NOₓ emissions. It also serves as a feedstock in the production of formaldehyde, acetic acid, methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), and dimethyl terephthalate (DMT). Beyond petrochemical uses, methanol is utilized in biodiesel production via transesterification of oils and fats with methanol, yielding fatty acid methyl esters.
In laboratories and industry, analytical-grade methanol is used as an HPLC solvent, distillation solvent, and extraction medium. It is also being explored as a fuel for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), which offer portability and energy density advantages. However, methanol is toxic if ingested; metabolic conversion to formaldehyde and formic acid can cause blindness or death. Its handling must follow strict safety protocols.
With global annual production exceeding 100 million tonnes, it is a robust and versatile chemical, used in innumerable industrial applications—underpinning everything from plastics to green energy solutions.
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 67-56-1 |
| Chemical Name | Methanol (Methyl alcohol) |
| Molecular Formula | CH3OH |
| Appearance | Colorless, volatile liquid with mild alcoholic odor |
| Purity Grades Available | ≥ 99.85 % (Industrial), ≥ 99.9 % (Reagent), ≥ 99.99 % (HPLC) |
| Molecular Weight | 32.04 g/mol |
| Water Content (Karl Fischer) | ≤ 0.1 % (industrial), ≤ 0.01 % (reagent/HPLC) |
| Density (20 °C) | 0.7918 g/cm³ |
| Boiling Point | 64.7 °C |
| Flash Point (20 °C) | 11 °C (closed cup) |
| Auto-ignition Temperature | 470 °C |
| Solubility | Miscible with water, ethanol, acetone, ethers |
| Typical Impurities | Water, ethanol, dimethyl ether |
| Standard Packaging | Steel drums, ISO tank-containers, flexi-tanks |
Methanol Content: ≥ 99.5 mol%
Water Content: ≤ 0.1 % (industrial) / ≤ 0.01 % (reagent)
Color: ≤ 10 Pt-Co units
Acidity (as CH₃COOH): ≤ 0.002 %
Alkalinity: ≤ 0.001 %
Non-volatile Residue: ≤ 0.005 %
Methanal (Formaldehyde): ≤ 0.005 %
Methoxy compounds: ≤ 0.005 %
Acetone & other volatiles: ≤ 0.005 %
All batches are confirmed via GC, Karl Fischer titration, and refractive index to ensure consistency and regulatory compliance.
Storage Conditions
Keep containers tightly closed, in a cool (≤ 30 °C), well-ventilated area.
Use explosion-proof lighting and electrical fixtures.
Store away from oxidizers, acids, and heat sources.
Drain lines to prevent siphoning and vapor release.
Handling & Transfer
Employ grounding as well as bonding to mitigate static discharge.
Use flame-arrestor vents and closed transfer systems.
Wear flame-resistant, chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile), goggles, face-shield, and protective clothing.
Maintain ambient temperature control to avoid vapor buildup.
First Aid
Inhalation: Move a person to fresh air; administer oxygen if needed.
Skin contact: Wash completely with soap & water.
Eye contact: Rinse with water for as less as 15 minutes.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; seek immediate medical care (50–200 mL ingestion can cause toxicity).
Fire Response
Use alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, or CO₂ extinguishers.
Avoid water jets (they spread the liquid).
Wear full protective gear as well as self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
Spill Control
Escape non-essential personnel; eliminate ignition sources.
Use absorbents (vermiculite or oil-only pads).
Collect for proper disposal per local environmental regulations (e.g., hazardous waste).
Methanol’s molecular structure features a central carbon atom. This carbon is bonded to three hydrogen atoms and one hydroxyl group. Its key structural properties:
Lewis Structure: H–C–O–H
Geometry: Tetrahedral around carbon with ~109.5° bond angles; O–H exhibits reservoir-like bonding.
Polarity: Significant dipole moment (~1.70 D) due to oxygen’s electronegativity; enables strong hydrogen bonding.
Reactivity: The C–O bond is relatively strong (bond energy ~385 kJ/mol), but oxidation converts CH₃OH → CH₂O → HCOOH.
Infrared Spectra: Strong O–H stretch at ~3,300 cm⁻¹; C–O stretch at ~1,030 cm⁻¹.
These structural characteristics underpin methanol’s solvent behavior, volatility, and reactivity in industrial applications.
Shakti Chemicals stands out in chemical supply due to its full-spectrum offerings and commitment to quality in Mumbai, India:
Experienced Suppliers, Traders, Dealers, Importers, and Distributors:
With extensive global networks, Shakti Chemicals guarantees consistent availability across key markets.
Quality Assurance:
All products undergo rigorous QC (GC, KF, spectrometry) to meet or exceed BIS, ISO, and ASTM standards.
Technical Support:
Dedicated technical teams help optimize customer processes—whether for fuel blending, pharmaceuticals, or solvent systems.
Flexible Packaging & Logistics:
Offering drums, ISO-tanks, and flexibags, Shakti handles FOB, CIF, or ex-works shipments with certified packaging.
Regulatory Compliance:
Fully certified for REACH, GHS as well as local hazardous-goods specifications.
Competitive Pricing:
Vertical integration as well as bulk purchasing strategies offer cost advantages without compromising quality.
Through these facets, Shakti Chemicals in Maharashtra ensures reliability and performance to meet diverse industrial requirements.
Shakti Chemicals provides methanol in multiple standardized packaging ideas:
Steel drums: 200 L (approx. 158 kg net)
Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs): 1,000 L (approx. 791 kg net)
Flexi-tanks: Up to 24,000 L for large-scale deliveries
ISO tank containers: 20–26 m³ capacity
Bulk shipments: Available via rail tankers or marine vessels
Special packaging configurations or custom labeling may be arranged subject to order volume and compliance requirements.
Chemical Feedstock
Formaldehyde → resins (phenolics, urea-formaldehyde)
Acetic Acid via carbonylation
MTBE/DMT as fuel additives/petrochemical intermediates
Fuel & Energy
Methanol-blended gasoline (M15–M85)
Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFCs) for portable energy
Dimethyl Ether (DME) replacement for LPG
Biodiesel Production
Transesterification of triglycerides → fatty acid methyl esters
Solvent Applications
Industrial cleaning, extraction, reaction media
HPLC-grade methanol in analytical chemistry
Pharmaceutical/Biotech
Intermediate for vitamin B6, steroid production
Cryoprotectant and additive in biochemical separations
Plastic & Polymer Industries
Precursor in PET production
Molding and resin processes
Automotive & Power Generation
Race-car fuel for its high octane number
Methanol‐based power plant fuel trials
Other Specialized Uses
Denaturant in industrial ethanol
Antifreeze vehicles and HVAC systems (inhibited grades)
Bio-methanol for renewable energy systems
Is methanol toxic to humans?
Yes, it metabolizes into formaldehyde and formic acid, which can cause visual damage and even fatality if ingested in sufficient quantities.
What are common grades of methanol?
Industrial (≥ 99.85 %), reagent (≥ 99.9 %), HPLC/analytical (≥ 99.99 %).
How should methanol be stored?
In cool, arid as well as well-airy areas with sealed containers, away from oxidizers and ignition sources.
Can methanol be used as fuel?
Yes—it can be blended into gasoline and used in DMFCs, and is a precursor to DME fuel.
What is methanol’s flash point?
Approximately 11 °C (closed cup); this requires specialized flammable‐liquid storage.
How is methanol produced industrially?
By catalytic hydrogenation of syngas (CO/H₂), typically over Cu-Zn catalysts at high temperature and pressure.
Is methanol biodegradable?
Yes—it biodegrades under aerobic conditions into CO₂ and water.
Can methanol freeze?
Yes—freezing point is −97.6 °C, much lower than water, which minimizes risk of crystallization in ambient conditions.
How is methanol shipped?
Via certified drums, IBCs, flexitanks, rail tankers, or ISO containers, in compliance with ADR, IMDG, and DOT regs.
Can methanol be used in biodiesel production?
Absolutely—transesterification with methanol and base catalysts yields biodiesel (FAME).
Methanol is a cornerstone of modern industry—offering versatile applications from fuel and solvent uses to critical chemical feedstocks. Shakti Chemicals, as experienced suppliers, traders, dealers, importers or distributors, stands out through its strict quality control, regulatory compliance, customized packaging, and strong logistics. We meet diverse customer needs with cost-effective pricing and technical support. As the world continues shifting toward sustainable fuels and renewable feedstocks, methanol remains a vital resource. With reliable and efficient supply chains in place, Shakti Chemicals is ready to support your methanol needs today and into the future.
Looking for high-quality Methanol? Contact us today for bulk orders and technical details.
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