Methanol (chemical symbol: CH3OH) is the simplest of the alcohols and can be made from biomass, natural gas or coal. It is an inflammable, colourless, odourless, poisonous and volatile.
Methanol can be formed by dry distillation of wood or artificially synthesised. As a fuel, methanol burns with a sootless flame and produces no heavy hydrocarbons. The most polluting waste product is formaldehyde, which can be controlled technologically. When added to gasoline to form ‘gasohol’, carbon monoxide emissions are reduced but hydrocarbon emissions are raised.
Methanol is a liquid at room temperature and can be stored safely using simple technology. Care should be taken though as methanol is a powerful solvent and is toxic to animal life. |
