Methanol

Methanol is an important organic compound. Below is a detailed introduction to it:
First, Basic Information
Name: Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol, carbinol, or wood alcohol.
2. Chemical formula: Structural formula CH₃OH, molecular formula CH₄O.
3. CAS Registry Number: 67-56-1.
4. Molecular weight: 32.04.
Second, Physical Properties
1. Appearance and Odor: Colorless, transparent liquid with a pungent odor and a faint alcohol-like scent.
2. Melting Point and Boiling Point: Melting point is -97.8°C, boiling point is 64.7°C.
3. Density: Relative density (water = 1) is 0.79; relative vapor density (air = 1) is 1.1.
4. Solubility: Miscible with water; also miscible with most organic solvents including alcohols and diethyl ether.
5. Other Properties: Flash point 11.1°C; viscosity 0.55 mPa·s (25°C); dipole moment 1.69 D (gaseous); refractive index 1.33066.
Third, Chemical Properties
1. Combustibility: Flammable; burns vigorously in pure oxygen to produce water vapor and carbon dioxide.
2. Oxidation Reactions: Can be oxidized to formaldehyde; further oxidation yields formic acid.
3. Ammoniation Reactions: Undergoes ammoniation reactions at 370°C–420°C.
4. Reactions with Other Substances: Reacts with gases such as fluorine.
Fourth, Primary Uses
1. Chemical Feedstock: Primary raw material for formaldehyde production. Formaldehyde is used to manufacture adhesives—predominantly for wood processing—as well as molding compounds, coatings, and other products. It also serves as a precursor for chemicals like acetic acid and methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE).
2. Fuel: Serves as an alternative fuel or raw material for fuel cells, offering advantages like high combustion efficiency and low pollutant emissions. However, its use as an alternative fuel remains controversial due to toxicity concerns.
3. Solvent: Employed as an organic solvent in laboratories and industrial production for applications such as gas chromatography analysis, gossypol extraction, and as a reaction medium in electrocatalytic activity studies.
4. Antifreeze: Its low freezing point makes it suitable for use as an antifreeze agent.
Fifth, Safety
1. Toxicity: Methanol is highly toxic and can cause poisoning through skin contact, inhalation, or accidental ingestion. Small amounts may induce headaches, nausea, vomiting, and severe cases can lead to blindness or death.
2. Protective Measures: During experiments or industrial operations, personnel must wear protective gear such as gas masks, protective gloves, and goggles while adhering to safety protocols. Storage requires well-ventilated areas, away from ignition sources and heat, and separate from oxidizers and acids.

Formaldehyde 
Acetic acid