Methyl alcohol

Other names: Methanol, Methyl alcohol, wood alcohol, wood alcohol

Methyl alcohol, also known as methanol, methyl alcohol, wood alcohol or wood alcohol, is a chemical substance of organic origin. It is a simple alcohol that occurs in nature, for example in fruit, but is also produced on an industrial scale using fossil fuels or biomass. The origin of the name wood alcohol comes from the time when methanol was extracted from wood by distillation.

Methyl alcohol has a wide range of applications in many industries. It is particularly popular because of its calorific value and its ability to mix easily with water. It is used as a solvent, degreaser or cooling medium. In industry, methanol is also an indispensable source for the production of formaldehyde and other chemical derivatives. In medicine, it is used in laboratories as a fixative, but is also a component of some products such as disinfectants. As a fuel, methanol is used in the motor industry. Its combustion leads to emissions that are less harmful to the environment than, for example, petrol. But beware, methanol is poisonous and caution is needed when handling it. Its consumption or inhalation can lead to serious health problems.