What is Methanol and How is it Used?
It is simplest aliphatic alcohol with chemical formula CH3OH.It is also called as methyl alcohol or wood alcohol. methanol is produced from coal, agricultural residue & natural gas. methanol occur naturally in fresh fruit & vegetable.
It is used to produce acetic acid & formaldehyde. About 40%. of methanol is converted to formaldehyde .It is colorless liquid, volatile, with pleasant odour like ethyl alcohol. It is water soluble & biodegradable. It is highly flammable. Methanol is cheap to produce relative to other fuels.
Uses:
1) as denaturant for alcohol
2) industrial solvent
3) fuel source.
4) construction material
5) pesticide.
FAQ
I) Where does methanol found?
Ans: It is found in alcohol in lesser amount, industrial solvents, anti freeze etc.
ii) Give one preparation method of of methanol.
Ans: Commercially produced by the catalytic reduction of carbon monoxide in the presence of catalyst such as zinc oxide or chromium oxide.
iii) What is denatured alcohol?
Ans: The alcohol which are adulterated with methanol making unsuitable for human consumption.
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