Chemical laboratory

Methanol

High-Purity Solvent for Industrial and Laboratory Applications

  • CAS 67-56-1
  • Formula CH₄O
  • Flash Pt 11 °C
  • Density 0.791 g/cm³
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Physical & Chemical Properties

Property Value Unit
Boiling point 64.7 °C °C
Flash point 11 °C °C
Density 0.791 g/cm³ g/cm³
Solubility Miscible with water -
Ph N/A -
Molecular weight 32.04 g/mol g/mol
Melting point -97.6 °C °C
Vapor pressure 127 mmHg at 25°C mmHg
Autoignition temp 464 °C -
Appearance Clear, colorless liquid -
Odor Alcoholic -
Vapor density 1.11 (air = 1) g/cm³

Overview

Methanol (CH₄O) is a clear, colorless liquid alcohol with a characteristic alcoholic odor. Also known as methyl alcohol or wood alcohol, this versatile chemical compound serves as a fundamental building block in numerous industrial processes and laboratory applications. With its excellent solvent properties and miscibility with water, methanol is an essential chemical for manufacturers, research facilities, and industrial operations across various sectors.

Key Applications

  • Industrial Solvent: Widely used in paint, varnish, and coating formulations due to its excellent dissolving properties and fast evaporation rate
  • Chemical Manufacturing: Essential intermediate in the production of formaldehyde, acetic acid, and various methyl esters
  • Laboratory Operations: High-purity solvent for HPLC analysis, extraction procedures, and analytical chemistry applications
  • Fuel Industry: Used as a fuel additive and antifreeze agent, as well as a denaturant for ethanol in industrial alcohol products

Safety & Handling

Methanol requires careful handling due to its low flash point of 11°C, making it highly flammable. Always use appropriate personal protective equipment including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and flame-resistant clothing. Ensure adequate ventilation in work areas and keep away from ignition sources. The autoignition temperature is 464°C, and vapor density is 1.11 times that of air, meaning vapors can accumulate in low-lying areas.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store methanol in tightly sealed containers made of compatible materials such as stainless steel or suitable plastics. Maintain storage temperatures between 15-25°C in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat sources and incompatible materials including strong oxidizers and acids. The product has an indefinite shelf life when stored properly in unopened containers.

Why Alliance Chemical

Alliance Chemical provides reliable supply of high-quality Methanol from our Taylor, Texas facility. We offer same-day shipping via UPS for smaller quantities, with LTL and FTL options available for bulk orders. Every shipment includes comprehensive Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Certificates of Analysis (COA) to ensure compliance and quality assurance for your operations.

Shipping & Availability

Parcel Shipping

UPS Ground supports pints, quarts, and most 1-gallon packages nationwide.

LTL Freight

5-gallon pails, drums, and totes move via LTL carriers such as ABF Freight, SEFL, Saia, and XPO.

Full Truckload

FTL available for palletized bulk orders. Competitive freight rates.

Local Pickup

Will-call pickup available at our Taylor, TX warehouse for Texas customers.

SDS, COA, and TDS available for every product • Most orders ship in 1-2 business days from Taylor, TX

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Select your state for local shipping times, industry applications, and ordering details.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is methanol (CAS 67-56-1) and what is it used for?
Methanol (CH3OH, CAS 67-56-1) is a simple alcohol used as an industrial solvent, chemical feedstock (formaldehyde, acetic acid), fuel or fuel component, denaturant and laboratory reagent. Typical uses include chromatography solvents, paint and coating formulations, antifreeze, and synthesis in chemical manufacturing.
How should methanol be stored and what is its typical shelf life?
Store methanol in a cool, well‑ventilated area away from heat, ignition sources and incompatible materials in tightly closed, bonded containers; keep containers grounded and labelled for flammables. Unopened high‑purity grades are stable for 1–3 years depending on packaging and exposure to air; consult the supplier for specific shelf‑life guarantees.
What are the key safety and handling precautions for methanol?
Methanol is highly flammable and toxic by ingestion and prolonged inhalation; use in a fume hood or with local exhaust ventilation, wear chemical‑resistant gloves and eye protection, and eliminate ignition sources. Have spill response materials and fire extinguishers available, and follow the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for emergency procedures.
How do different methanol concentrations and grades differ (e.g., technical, reagent, HPLC)?
Grades differ by purity and allowed impurities: technical grades are used for general industrial purposes, reagent or analytical grades (≥99.8–99.99%) are suitable for laboratory work, and HPLC/spectroscopy grades are high‑purity, low‑water variants. Denatured methanol contains additives that make it unsuitable for analytical work or applications requiring pure solvent.
What documentation is available with methanol shipments (SDS, COA, etc.)?
Suppliers provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and typically a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for each lot; Technical Data Sheets (TDS) and regulatory compliance documents (REACH, TSCA where applicable) are available on request. Keep the COA and SDS on file for quality control and regulatory audits.
How is methanol shipped and what packaging options are common?
Methanol is shipped as a flammable liquid (UN 1230, Class 3, Packing Group II) by road, rail and sea under standard hazardous‑materials regulations. Common packaging includes 20–205 L steel drums, 1,000 L IBCs, and bulk tankers; small bottles (100 mL–4 L) are available for laboratory use.
Which materials are compatible or incompatible with methanol?
Methanol is generally compatible with stainless steels (304/316), carbon steel and fluoropolymers (PTFE), but can attack some aluminum alloys, copper/brass, and certain elastomers (natural rubber, neoprene). Always consult a chemical compatibility chart and test seals/paints/coatings for long‑term exposure before use.
What are the key technical specifications for methanol I should check?
Key specs include CAS 67-56-1, formula CH3OH, molecular weight 32.04 g/mol, purity (e.g., ≥99.9% for HPLC), water content, flash point (~11 °C closed cup), boiling point (~64.7 °C) and specified impurity limits shown on the COA. Request the lot COA for precise values and testing methods.
Which industries and applications commonly use methanol?
Methanol is used across petrochemical and chemical manufacturing, paints and coatings, pharmaceuticals (as a solvent in synthesis), energy (fuel blending, biodiesel production), and research laboratories as an analytical solvent. It is also used in windshield washer fluids, antifreeze formulations and as a denaturant for ethanol.
How can I purchase methanol and what availability should I expect?
Methanol is widely available from chemical distributors in lab and bulk quantities; order options include per‑bottle, drum, IBC or bulk tanker deliveries with typical lead times that vary by quantity and regional supply. Provide required documentation for hazardous goods handling and confirm grade, packaging and delivery terms with the supplier before purchase.

Documentation & Downloads

Safety Data Sheet
SDS / MSDS
Request COA
Certificate of Analysis
Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
Available for all products

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