Production of Methanol
Some methods of producing methanol includes:
Steam-Reforming Natural Gas: This is the most common method for producing methanol. It involves partial oxidation of methane under controlled conditions in a homogeneous or catalytic reaction process. The synthesis gas produced is then fed into a reactor with catalysts, such as CuO/ZnO/Al2O3, to produce methanol and water vapor.
Hydrogenation of CO and CO2: In this method, methanol is produced from petroleum products (synthesis gas) via hydrogenation of CO and CO2 and reversed water-gas shift reaction.
Biomass Gasification: The production of methanol from biomasses for large-scale production is done primarily via gasification, which involves partial oxidation by steam and air to produce synthetic gas.
Green Hydrogen and Recycled Carbon Dioxide: Methanol can also be produced from renewable sources, such as green hydrogen and recycled carbon dioxide.
Methanol Formula
Methanol is the simplest form of alcohol, which is colorless, volatile, and highly flammable. Methanol is also referred to as Methyl Alcohol or Wood Alcohol. It is an excellent fuel and has the potential to run automobiles, fuel cells, and gas stoves. It plays an essential role in various reactions, ranging from esterification to acting as a hydrogen source.
In this article, we will study methanol, its structure, properties, production methods, along with its environmental impact in detail.
Table of Content
- What is Methanol
- Methanol Formula
- Structure of Methanol
- Properties of Methanol
- Production of Methanol
- Reactions using Methanol