Methanol is a light and colorless liquid that has an alcoholic odor similar to that of ethanol. Over 200 million tons of methanol is produced globally each year. It is a base or an ingredient in many commodity chemicals such as acetic acid, gasoline additive, formaldehyde, and many more. So, quick answer: Whether in liquid or gaseous form, methanol is highly flammable. Gaseous methanol molecules can travel quite a distance. This could potentially spread fires in other places. Methanol containers can explode if they’re not sufficiently insulated or protected. When in contact with a platinum-blank catalyst, methanol can also ignite. Now that you know this information, maybe you’d like to know more about.
What is Methanol and What are Its Unique Characteristics?
Methanol, commonly known as methyl alcohol or carbinol, is a chemical species belonging to a methyl group of substances linked to a hydroxyl group. It’s also known as wood alcohol in the past due to its extraction process through destructive wood distillation. At present, methanol is created by hydrogenation of carbon monoxide in industrial facilities. Normal healthy humans produce small amounts of methanol, about 4.5 parts per million (ppm). It can be found in human tissues and bio-fluids such as blood, saliva, or cerebrospinal fluid. The methanol can be metabolized with the structural acid pectin, which is often found in citrus fruits and several types of vegetables. Anaerobic bacteria and phytoplankton also produce small amounts of methanol. On a much larger scale, regions in outer space that are known to form stars contain vast amounts of methanol. In fact, astronomers use them as markers for such regions. For example, in 2006, using an array of radio telescopes, astronomers discovered a colossal cloud of methanol in space. That cloud is around 288 billion miles in diameter. Commercially available methanol is classified into various purity grades, typically classified as ASTM purity grades A and AA. Impurities include water, acetone, and ethanol. To detect these impurities, methods such as UV-vis spectroscopy and Kark-Fischer titration are used.Hazards Associated with Using Methanol
Aside from being highly flammable, methanol has other properties that make it dangerous if not handled properly.Toxic
Prolonged exposure to methanol vapor can cause eye irritation, headaches, drowsiness, and fatigue. A person who accidentally ingests as little as 10 milligrams of methanol can become permanently blind as the optic nerve is destroyed. Ingesting 30 milligrams of methanol is probably fatal. Swallowing 50,000 ppm can cause death within 1 to 2 hours. The toxicity of ingested methanol is carried out by either of two mechanisms. One, methanol can cause death because it affects the central nervous system. Specifically, it acts as a central nervous system depressant. Also, methanol is metabolized into formaldehyde in a process catalyzed in the liver. Formaldehyde is used as an embalming agent and is incredibly damaging to the liver, causing hypoxia at a cellular level. Fortunately, the effects start a few hours after ingestion, so there is time to administer an antidote to prevent permanent physical damage.Reactive
Methanol belongs to the “Alcohols and Polyols” reactive group. When mixed with acetyl bromide, methanol reacts violently. Mixing methanol with concentrated hydrogen peroxide, sulfuric acid, anhydrous lead perchlorate, or isocyanates can cause dangerous explosions. Methanol also reacts to hypochlorous acid in water solution, producing methyl hypochlorite. Methyl hypochlorite decomposes in low temperatures and can explode when exposed to sunlight or heat. The same reaction happens when methanol is mixed with chlorine.Incompatibility
Methanol should be cautiously used with cellulose-based absorbents. There have been plenty of situations when untoward reactions happen when methanol is added to these absorbents. Finally, according to the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT), exposure to methanol at levels found in fruits and vegetables does not cause adverse results.Precautions
In case of contact, inhalation, exposure, and ingestion
Avoid direct exposure as much as possible when handling methanol. At the very least, ANSI-approved rubber gloves and safety goggles must be worn. However, in many facilities, more comprehensive protective equipment is often required such as those that cover the face, eyes, and body.- For those who are working in environments where methanol vapors are prevalent, workers should wear the proper breathing apparatus and filtered regulators. Ventilators in the facility must be turned on.
- If methanol comes in contact with skin, wash the affected area with lots of soap and water for 15 minutes. If the substance goes into the eyes, immediately flush the eyes with lukewarm water for 15 minutes. Ask for medical help.
- If methanol is ingested, do not attempt to induce vomiting. That’s because volatile chemicals like methanol have a high probability of being aspirated into the lungs if vomiting is induced. Give the victim 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the methanol. If the victim is unconscious, lay the victim on his or her side with the head lower than the body. Do not give the victim anything and ensure that the airway is open. Whether the victim is conscious or not, you need to call emergency services for immediate medical help or transport the victim to the nearest hospital.
- In case of inhalation, leave the area immediately. Workers must go outside and take deep breaths of fresh air. If a victim develops respiratory symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, or burning sensation in the mouth or throat, call for medical assistance or prepare the victim for transportation to the hospital.