Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol or wood alcohol, is a colorless, volatile liquid with the chemical formula CH3OH. It is the simplest alcohol, consisting of a methyl group (-CH3) linked to a hydroxyl group (-OH). Methanol is highly polar and miscible with water, ethanol, and other polar solvents.
Methanol is commonly used as a solvent, antifreeze, and fuel. It is also a precursor to various chemicals, including formaldehyde, acetic acid, and methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE). Additionally, methanol finds application as a denaturant in industrial ethanol to render it undrinkable, as well as in the production of biodiesel.
Catachem offers methanol test kits.