Methanol, or methyl alcohol (CH3OH), is an organic chemical compound belonging to the group of alcohols. It is the simplest aliphatic alcohol. What are the properties of methanol? Where is it used and why is it particularly dangerous for our body? Below you will find the answers!
Former methanolwas obtained exclusively by decomposing distillation of coal.Currently produced synthetically,two methods from syngas. The first method is ICI and the second is Lurgi. The reaction is carried out in the presence of a copper catalyst (Cu-Zn-Al2O3), at a temperature of 250 ° C and a pressure of 4-10 MPa. Methyl alcohol can also be obtained by treatingwith NaOH(sodium hydroxide)or KOH(potassium hydroxide) on halogenated methane - e.g. CH3Cl.
Methanol properties
Methanol is a colorless liquid with a characteristic odor.It burns with a light blue flame in the air to form carbon dioxide and water. It can be mixed with water in all ratios. Methyl alcohol isa volatile substancewith a density slightly less than that of water. Methanol is poison.
Use of methanol
Synthetic methanolhas been used in many industries . In the pharmaceutical industry, it is used as a starting compound for the production of many products.It is also used to obtain formalin , which is a saturated aqueous solution of formaldehyde. Colorless liquid with a sharp taste and smell, which hasstrong bactericidal and toxic properties .
Methyl alcohol is asolvent in organic synthesisj. It is used as a fuel or a fuel component in internal combustion engines. It is an additive to gasoline that improves the octane number. In addition, it is used in household chemicals as a component of washing liquids, antifreeze, or in construction chemicals - for the production of adhesives, paints and varnishes.It is an antibacterial, bactericidal and fungicidal substance.
Synthetic methanol haspreservative and solvent properties- pigments, fragrances. It is used in the production of many cosmetic substances. Additionally, it is a contaminant, which means thatis added to poisonous substances to deter consumptionand inhaling.
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Methanol poisoning
Methanol is a strong poison . It is especially dangerous becausecan easily be mistaken for ethanol . It enters the body through the alimentary and respiratory tract, and its greatest amounts accumulate especially in hydrated parts of the body.Methanol itself does not harm our body , but after penetration it decomposes into formic acid and formaldehyde. They are two very harmful, toxic substances that damage the kidneys, heart, liver and nervous system.
Although methanol is not detectable in the body after two hours of absorption, the formic acid formed from its decomposition remains.Symptoms of methyl alcohol poisoning appear at different times- from one hour to 24 hours.
There are three phases of methanol poisoning:
- Narcotic phase (I)- symptoms similar to ethanol consumption - headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, weakness.
- Acidic phase (II)- the organism becomes acidic. Abdominal pain, low blood pressure, conjunctivitis and reddened skin appear.
- Central nervous system damage phase (III)- in the last phase, problems with visual acuity appear. Lack of control over physiological reflexes. The agitation gradually turns into weakness and coma. Breathing difficulties may also arise.
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Treatment of methanol poisoning
Methyl alcohol poisoning isa very dangerous conditionwhich is life threatening. If poisoning is suspected, immediately go to the hospital or call an ambulance. The first action to be taken in people who are poisoned with methanol is to induce vomiting and secure basic life activities . The patient should be given about 100 ml of 40 percent. ethanol , which prevents the absorption of methanol and slows down its metabolism. Hospital treatment mainly includes hemodialysis to remove methanol from the body.
Methyl alcohol is a strong poison. Consumption of8-10 grams causes blindness and 12-20 grams causes death.The most common methyl alcohol poisoning occurs as a result of mistaken consumption - instead of ethyl alcohol. The consistency, taste and smell of both alcohols are similar to each other.
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