Methanol is one of the simplest molecules with a hindered methyl rotation

                                                                       

Methanol

Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol and other names, is a chemical and the most basic form of alcohol. It is a flammable, light, volatile, colourless liquid with a distinct alcoholic odour similar to that of ethanol (potable alcohol). Methanol, a polar solvent, was given the name wood alcohol because it was once primarily produced through the destructive distillation of wood. Methanol is now primarily produced industrially through the hydrogenation of carbon monoxide.

Pure methanol is a critical component in chemical synthesis. Its derivatives are widely used in the synthesis of a wide range of compounds, including many important synthetic dyestuffs, resins, pharmaceuticals, and perfumes. A significant amount is converted to dimethylaniline for dyestuffs and formaldehyde for synthetic resins. It is also used in antifreezes for automobiles, rocket fuels, and as a general solvent. Methanol is also a high-octane, clean-burning fuel that has the potential to be a significant substitute for gasoline in automobiles. Methanol derived from wood is primarily used to render industrial ethyl alcohol unfit for consumption.

Benefits of Methanol


Methanol has the potential to be a viable alternative to conventional transportation fuels. Methanol has the following advantages:

Lower production costs: Methanol is less expensive to produce than other alternative fuels.

Improved safety: When compared to gasoline, methanol has a lower risk of flammability.

Increased energy security: Methanol can be produced from a variety of carbon-based feedstocks found in the United States, including biomass, natural gas, and coal.

Methanol is widely used at gas stations and as an alternative fuel, which is expected to drive methanol demand. Methanol is widely used in a variety of industries, including construction, automotive, textile, and furniture. Increased activity in these industries has boosted global demand for methanol even more. Because the energy and petrochemical industries have increased production, there is a high demand for methanol in these industries. Methanol derivatives such as formaldehyde and acetic acid are widely used around the world. Natural gas is the most common feedstock used in the production of methanol.