Properties of Methanol

Properties of Methanol are classified into following types

• Physical Properties
• Chemical Properties

Physical Properties of Methanol

Some of the key physical properties of methanol includes:

Methanol Chemical Properties

Methanol with the chemical formula CH₃OH exhibits several chemical properties, which is:

• Acidity and Basicity: Methanol is a weak acid and a weak base. It can donate protons (H⁺) to stronger bases and accept protons (H⁺) from stronger acids.

• Reactivity: Methanol is a reactive chemical that can undergo a variety of reactions. It can be oxidized to form formaldehyde, reduced to form methane, and reacted with halogens to form alkyl halides.

• Flammability: Methanol is a liquid with a flash point of 11.7 °C. This means that it will easily ignite and can produce explosive vapors.

• Toxicity: Methanol is a highly toxic substance that can cause blindness, kidney damage, and death. It is essential to handle Methanol carefully and avoid exposure to it.

• Combustion of Methanol: When methanol burns in the air, it forms carbon dioxide and water. It is highly flammable and burns with a pale-blue, non-luminous flame. The chemical equation for the combustion of methanol is:

2CH₃OH + 3O₂ → 2CO₂ + 4H₂O

pH of Methanol

The pH of methanol is 8.3. Methanol-water mixtures have autoprotolysis constants between 14 (water) and 16.6 (methanol), so neutral in these mixtures ranges from pH 7 to pH 8.3

Methanol Boiling Point

Boiling point of methanol is 64.7 °C

Methanol Density

Density of methanol at room temperature is 791.80 kg/m³

Methanol Molecular Weight

Molecular Weight of methanol is 32.04 g/mol³

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.