Methanol facts for kids
Methanol is the simplest type of alcohol. Its chemical formula is CH3OH. While it looks a bit like ethanol (the alcohol found in drinks), methanol is very toxic and dangerous if swallowed. Even a small amount can cause serious harm, like permanent blindness or even death.
However, the harmful effects usually take a few hours to appear. This means that if someone accidentally drinks methanol, doctors can sometimes give them an antidote to help prevent the worst damage. Methanol is used in many ways, such as a fuel additive, a solvent (something that dissolves other things), and in making other chemicals. It's sometimes called "wood alcohol" because it used to be made from wood. Methanol is a light, clear, and flammable liquid that smells a lot like drinking alcohol.
Contents
What is Methanol?
Methanol is a basic chemical compound. It belongs to a group of chemicals called alcohols. Alcohols are organic compounds that contain a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to a carbon atom. Methanol is the simplest one because it only has one carbon atom.
How is Methanol Made?
Long ago, methanol was made by heating wood without air. This process is called destructive distillation. That's why it got the nickname "wood alcohol." Today, most methanol is made from natural gas. It can also be produced from coal or even from carbon dioxide.
Why is Methanol Toxic?
When methanol enters the body, it is broken down into other harmful substances. These substances can damage important organs, especially the eyes and brain. This is why it's so dangerous and should never be confused with ethanol.
Uses of Methanol
Methanol is a very important chemical in many industries. It's a versatile compound used to create a wide range of products.
Fuel and Energy
Methanol can be used as a fuel itself or mixed with gasoline. It helps gasoline burn cleaner. It's also used in some racing cars. Scientists are also looking into using methanol in fuel cells to generate electricity.
Chemical Building Block
A lot of methanol is used to make other chemicals. For example, it's a key ingredient in making formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is used to make plastics, paints, and glues. Methanol is also used to make acetic acid, which is found in vinegar.
Solvents and Antifreeze
Because it can dissolve many substances, methanol is used as a solvent in laboratories and industries. It's also used in some types of antifreeze for cars, helping to prevent water from freezing in cold weather.
Images for kids
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The Cativa process is a way to make acetic acid from methanol.
See also
In Spanish: Metanol para niños
