Editing Methanol (section)

==Applications==

===Production of formaldehyde, acetic acid, methyl ''tert''-butyl ether===
Methanol is primarily converted to formaldehyde, which is widely used in many areas, especially [[Polymer|polymers]]. The conversion entails oxidation:
:{{chem2 | 2 CH3OH + O2 -> 2 CH2O + 2 H2O }}
[[Acetic acid]] can be produced from methanol.
[[File:Cativa-process-catalytic-cycle.png|center|thumb|400px|The [[Cativa process]] converts methanol into [[acetic acid]].<ref name =Cativa>{{cite journal| title = High productivity methanol carbonylation catalysis using iridium – The Cativa process for the manufacture of acetic acid|author1=Sunley, G. J. |author2=Watson, D. J. | journal = Catalysis Today | year = 2000| volume = 58| issue = 4| pages = 293–307| doi = 10.1016/S0920-5861(00)00263-7}}</ref>]]

Methanol and [[isobutene]] are combined to give [[methyl tert-butyl ether|methyl ''tert''-butyl ether]] (MTBE). MTBE is a major octane booster in gasoline.

===Methanol to hydrocarbons, olefins, gasoline===
Condensation of methanol to produce [[hydrocarbon]]s and even [[aromatic hydrocarbon|aromatic]] systems is the basis of several technologies related to [[gas to liquids]]. These include methanol-to-hydrocarbons (MtH), methanol to gasoline (MtG), methanol to olefins (MtO), and methanol to propylene (MtP). These conversions are catalyzed by [[zeolite]]s as [[heterogeneous catalyst]]s. The MtG process was once commercialized at [[Motunui]] in New Zealand.<ref>{{cite journal|author1=Olsbye, U. |author2=Svelle, S. |author3=Bjorgen, M. |author4=Beato, P. |author5=Janssens, T. V. W. |author6=Joensen, F. |author7=Bordiga, S. |author8=Lillerud, K. P. |title=Conversion of Methanol to Hydrocarbons: How Zeolite Cavity and Pore Size Controls Product Selectivity|journal=Angew. Chem. Int. Ed.|year=2012|volume=51|issue=24|pages=5810–5831|doi=10.1002/anie.201103657|pmid=22511469|hdl=2318/122770 |s2cid=26585752 |hdl-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|author1=Tian, P. |author2=Wei, Y. |author3=Ye, M. |author4=Liu, Z. |title=Methanol to Olefins (MTO): From Fundamentals to Commercialization|journal=ACS Catal.|year=2015|volume=5|issue=3|pages=1922–1938|doi=10.1021/acscatal.5b00007|doi-access=free}}</ref>

===Gasoline additive===
The [[European Fuel Quality Directive]] allows fuel producers to blend up to 3% methanol, with an equal amount of cosolvent, with gasoline sold in Europe. In 2019,  it is estimated that [[China]] used as much as 7 million tons of methanol as transportation fuels, representing over 5% of their fuel pool.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 2024 |title=China: the leader in methanol transportation |url=https://www.methanol.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/China-Methanol-Fact-Sheet-1.pdf |access-date=4 June 2024 |website=METHANOL INSTITUTE}}</ref>

===Other chemicals===
Methanol is the precursor to most simple [[methylamine]]s, [[methyl halide]]s, and methyl ethers.<ref name=Ullmann>{{cite book|year=2005|publisher=Wiley-VCH|location=Weinheim|doi=10.1002/14356007.a16_465|author1=Fiedler, E. |author2=Grossmann, G. |author3=Burkhard Kersebohm, D. |author4=Weiss, G. |author5=Witte, C. |title=Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry|chapter=Methanol|isbn=978-3-527-30673-2}}</ref> Methyl esters are produced from methanol, including the transesterification of fats and production of [[biodiesel]] via [[transesterification]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.methanol.org/biodiesel/|title=Biodiesel – METHANOL INSTITUTE|work=METHANOL INSTITUTE|access-date=24 March 2018|archive-date=25 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180325044952/http://www.methanol.org/biodiesel/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://articles.extension.org/pages/27137/biodiesel-production-principles-and-processes|title=Biodiesel Production Principles and Processes – eXtension|access-date=24 March 2018|archive-date=25 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180325105905/http://articles.extension.org/pages/27137/biodiesel-production-principles-and-processes}}</ref>

===Niche and potential uses===
====Energy carrier====
Methanol is a promising [[energy carrier]] because, as a liquid, it is easier to store than hydrogen and natural gas. Its [[energy density]] is, however, lower than [[methane]], per kg. Its combustion energy density is 15.6 [[joule|MJ]]/[[liter|L]] ([[Heat of combustion#Lower heating value|LHV]]), whereas that of ethanol is 24 and gasoline is 33 MJ/L.

Further advantages for methanol is its ready biodegradability and low environmental toxicity. It does not persist in either aerobic (oxygen-present) or anaerobic (oxygen-absent) environments. The half-life for methanol in groundwater is just one to seven days, while many common gasoline components have half-lives in the hundreds of days (such as [[benzene]] at 10–730 days). Since methanol is [[miscibility|miscible]] with water and biodegradable, it is unlikely to accumulate in groundwater, surface water, air or soil.<ref>[http://www.methanol.org/Environment/Resources/Environment/MP-Methanol-Fate.aspx Evaluation of the Fate and Transport of Methanol in the Environment] {{webarchive|url=http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20160516022250/http://www.methanol.org/Environment/Resources/Environment/MP-Methanol-Fate.aspx |date=16 May 2016}}, Malcolm Pirnie, Inc., January 1999.</ref>

====Fuel====
{{Main|Methanol fuel|methanol economy}}
Methanol is occasionally used to fuel [[internal combustion engine]]s. It burns forming carbon dioxide and water:
:{{chem2 | 2 CH3OH + 3 O2 -> 2 CO2 + 4 H2O }}
Methanol fuel has been proposed for ground transportation. The chief advantage of a methanol economy is that it could be adapted to gasoline internal combustion engines with minimum modification to the engines and to the infrastructure that delivers and stores liquid fuel. Its energy density, however, is less than gasoline, meaning more frequent fill ups would be required. However, it is equivalent to super high-octane gasoline in horsepower, and most modern computer-controlled fuel injection systems can already use it.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nationalreview.com/2011/12/methanol-wins-robert-zubrin/|title=Methanol Wins|website=[[National Review]]|date=December 2011|access-date=7 June 2022|archive-date=7 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220607191556/https://www.nationalreview.com/2011/12/methanol-wins-robert-zubrin/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Methanol is an alternative fuel for ships that helps the shipping industry meet increasingly strict emissions regulations. It significantly reduces emissions of [[sulfur oxide]]s (SO<sub>''x''</sub>), [[NOx|nitrogen oxide]]s (NO<sub>''x''</sub>) and particulate matter. Methanol can be used with high efficiency in marine diesel engines after minor modifications using a small amount of pilot fuel (dual fuel).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Methanol as a Marine Fuel |publisher=Methanex Corporation |url=https://www.methanex.com/about-methanol/methanol-marine-fuel |access-date=10 April 2021 |archive-date=21 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121005930/https://www.methanex.com/about-methanol/methanol-marine-fuel |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite report |last1=Andersson |first1=Karin |first2=Carlos |last2=Márquez Salazar |title=Methanol as a Marine Fuel Report |url=http://www.methanol.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/FCBI-Methanol-Marine-Fuel-Report-Final-English.pdf |publisher=FC Business Intelligence |year=2015 |access-date=10 April 2021 |archive-date=10 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410034653/http://www.methanol.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/FCBI-Methanol-Marine-Fuel-Report-Final-English.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>

In China, methanol fuels industrial boilers, which are used extensively to generate heat and steam for various industrial applications and residential heating. Its use is displacing coal, which is under pressure from increasingly stringent environmental regulations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Methanol as an Industrial Boiler Fuel |publisher=Methanex Corporation |url=https://www.methanex.com/about-methanol/methanol-industrial-boiler-fuel |access-date=10 April 2021 |archive-date=20 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120232602/https://www.methanex.com/about-methanol/methanol-industrial-boiler-fuel |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Direct-methanol fuel cell]]s are unique in their low temperature, atmospheric pressure operation, which lets them be greatly miniaturized.<ref>{{Cite journal | last1 = Kamitani | first1 = A. | last2 = Morishita | first2 = S. | last3 = Kotaki | first3 = H. | last4 = Arscott | first4 = S. | title = Miniaturized microDMFC using silicon microsystems techniques: Performances at low fuel flow rates | doi = 10.1088/0960-1317/18/12/125019 | journal = Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering | volume = 18 | issue = 12 | page = 125019 | year = 2008 | bibcode = 2008JMiMi..18l5019K | s2cid = 110214840 | url = https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-02347363/file/kamitani_et_al_2008.pdf | access-date = 30 October 2021 | archive-date = 21 November 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211121004627/https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-02347363/file/kamitani_et_al_2008.pdf | url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal | last1 = Kamitani | first1 = A. | last2 = Morishita | first2 = S. | last3 = Kotaki | first3 = H. | last4 = Arscott | first4 = S. | title = Microfabricated microfluidic fuel cells | doi = 10.1016/j.snb.2009.11.014 | journal = Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical | volume = 154 | issue = 2 | page = 174 | year = 2011| bibcode = 2011SeAcB.154..174K }}</ref> This, combined with the relatively easy and safe storage and handling of methanol, may open the possibility of fuel cell-powered [[consumer electronics]], such as laptop computers and mobile phones.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.compukiss.com/populartopics/tech_gadgetshtm/article887.htm|title=Methanol Laptop Fuel|author=Berger, Sandy|publisher=Compu·Kiss|date=30 September 2006|access-date=22 May 2007|archive-date=3 February 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070203144642/http://www.compukiss.com/populartopics/tech_gadgetshtm/article887.htm}}</ref>

Methanol is also a widely used fuel in camping and boating stoves. Methanol burns well in an unpressurized burner, so alcohol stoves are often very simple, sometimes little more than a cup to hold fuel. This lack of complexity makes them a favorite of hikers who spend extended time in the wilderness. Similarly, the alcohol can be gelled to reduce risk of leaking or spilling, as with the brand "[[Sterno]]".

Methanol is mixed with water and injected into high performance diesel and gasoline engines for an increase of power and a decrease in intake air temperature in a process known as [[Water injection (engines)|water methanol injection]].

====Other applications====
Methanol is used as a [[Denaturation_(food)|denaturant]] for ethanol, the product being known as ''denatured alcohol'' or ''methylated spirit''. This was commonly used during the [[US prohibition]] to discourage consumption of [[Moonshine|bootleg]]ged liquor, and ended up causing several deaths.<ref>{{cite web |last=Blum |first=Deborah |url=http://www.slate.com/id/2245188/ |title=The little-told story of how the U.S. government poisoned alcohol during Prohibition |website=Slate Magazine |date=19 February 2010 |access-date=10 June 2010 |archive-date=6 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806132641/http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/medical_examiner/2010/02/the_chemists_war.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

It is sometimes used as a fuel in alcohol lamps, portable fire pits and camping stoves.

Methanol is used as a [[solvent]] and as an [[antifreeze (coolant)|antifreeze]] in [[Pipeline transport|pipelines]] and [[windshield washer fluid]]. Methanol was used as an automobile coolant antifreeze in the early 1900s.<ref>{{cite journal | doi = 10.1021/ie50257a020| title = Methanol Antifreeze and Methanol Poisoning| journal = Industrial & Engineering Chemistry| volume = 23| issue = 5| page = 551| year = 1931| last1 = Yant | first1 = W. P.| last2 = Schrenk | first2 = H. H.|author3=[[Royd R. Sayers|Sayers, R. R.]]}}</ref> As of May 2018, methanol was banned in the EU for use in windscreen washing or defrosting due to its risk of human consumption<ref>{{CELEX|id=32018R0589|text=Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/589 of 18 April 2018 amending Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) as regards methanol}}</ref><ref>{{CELEX|id=32018R0589R(01)|text=Corrigendum to Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/589 of 18 April 2018 amending Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) as regards methanol}}</ref> as a result of [[2012 Czech Republic methanol poisonings]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Annex XV Restriction Report: Proposal For a Restriction Substance Name: Methanol – table D.1-4-page 79|date=2015-01-16|url=https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/78b0f856-3751-434b-b6bc-6d33cd630c85|access-date=2024-11-29|archive-date=2021-05-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526070242/https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/78b0f856-3751-434b-b6bc-6d33cd630c85|url-status=live}}</ref>

In some [[Sewage treatment|wastewater treatment plants]], a small amount of methanol is added to [[wastewater]] to provide a carbon food source for the [[denitrifying bacteria]], which convert [[nitrate]]s to [[nitrogen]] gas and reduce the nitrification of sensitive [[aquifer]]s.

Methanol is used as a destaining agent in [[polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis]].