Methanol has many uses, including as a fuel, solvent, and in chemical manufacturing.
Fuel
- Campfire fuel: Methanol is a popular choice for camping stoves because it burns easily and only requires a small amount.
- Windshield washer fluid: Methanol’s chemical properties lower the freezing point of water-based liquids, making it useful as an antifreeze in windshield washer fluid.
Solvent
- Laboratory solvent: Methanol is a common solvent in laboratories, especially for HPLC and UV/VIS spectroscopy.
- Chemical manufacturing: Methanol is a common solvent in chemical processes, especially in the manufacture of paints, varnishes, adhesives, coatings, and cleaning agents.
- Chemical production: Acetic acid and formaldehyde: Methanol is used to produce acetic acid and formaldehyde on a large scale.
- Hydrocarbons, olefins, and aromatic compounds: Methanol is used in the production of hydrocarbons, olefins, and some aromatic compounds.
- Methyl esters and methylamines: Methanol is used in the production of methyl esters and methylamines.
Wastewater treatment
- Denitrification: Methanol is used in wastewater treatment facilities to accelerate the activity of anaerobic bacteria that break down harmful nitrate.