Methanol :

Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol or wood alcohol, is a simple alcohol with the chemical formula CH₃OH. 

Physical and Chemical Properties:

• State: Methanol is a colorless, volatile liquid at room temperature.
• Odor: It has a mild, slightly sweet odor.
• Taste: It has a slightly sweet taste but is extremely toxic, and ingestion can be fatal.
• Solubility: Methanol is miscible with water, meaning it can mix with water in all proportions.

Sources and Production:

• Natural Sources: Methanol can be found naturally in small amounts in some fruits, vegetables, and alcoholic beverages, but the majority is produced synthetically.
• Synthetic Production: The industrial production of methanol involves the catalytic reaction of carbon monoxide and hydrogen under high pressure and temperature. This process is known as the synthesis gas process.

Uses:

• Chemical Feedstock: Methanol is a crucial chemical feedstock used in the production of various chemicals, including formaldehyde, acetic acid, and various plastics.
• Fuel: Methanol is used as a fuel in some industrial applications, and it has been considered as a potential alternative fuel for internal combustion engines.
• Solvent: It is used as a solvent in various industrial processes.
• Antifreeze: Methanol is used in the production of antifreeze solutions.
• Laboratory Reagent: It is commonly used as a laboratory reagent.

Toxicity:

• Methanol is highly toxic to humans. Ingestion, inhalation, or absorption through the skin can lead to severe health effects, including blindness and death.
• The human body metabolizes methanol into formaldehyde and then into formic acid, both of which are toxic.

Safety Considerations:

• Due to its toxicity, methanol is not suitable for consumption or use in products that may come into contact with the human body unless under carefully controlled conditions.
• Safety precautions, such as proper ventilation and protective equipment, should be followed when handling methanol in industrial and laboratory settings.