Methanol

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Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol or wood alcohol, is a chemical compound with chemical formula CH3OH. It is the simplest alcohol, and is a light, volatile, colourless, flammable, poisonous liquid that is used as an antifreeze, solvent, fuel, and as a denaturant for ethyl alcohol.

Related Topics:
Chemical compound - Chemical formula - C - H - O - Alcohol - Volatile - Colour - Flammable - Poison - Antifreeze - Solvent - Fuel - Denaturant - Ethyl alcohol

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Methanol is produced naturally in the anaerobic metabolism of many varieties of bacteria. As a result, there is a small fraction of methanol vapor in the atmosphere. Over the course of several days, atmospheric methanol is oxidized by oxygen by the help of sunlight to carbon dioxide and water.

Related Topics:
Anaerobic - Metabolism - Oxidized

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Methanol burns in air forming carbon dioxide and water:

Related Topics:
Carbon dioxide - Water

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:2CH3OH + 3 O2 → 2CO2 + 4H2O

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A methanol flame is almost colorless. Care should be exercised around burning methanol to avoid burning oneself on the almost invisible fire.

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