Product brief introduction
High-Purity Methanol (CH₃OH) – The Essential Building Block for Global Industry
Shandong RuiShuang Chemical offers premium Methanol (CAS: 67-56-1) with 99.85% minimum purity. This versatile chemical serves as the foundation for formaldehyde, acetic acid, MTBE, DME, and MTO production. Available in industrial grade with ISO tank and drum packaging. An ideal choice for chemical synthesis, fuel blending, and solvent applications with professional hazardous chemical logistics.
Product overview
Methanol, also known as Methyl Alcohol or Wood Alcohol, with the molecular formula CH₃OH and CAS number 67-56-1, is a clear, colorless, volatile liquid with a characteristic pungent odor . As the simplest alcohol, it is produced primarily through the catalytic reforming of synthesis gas (syngas) derived from natural gas, coal, or biomass . With a boiling point of 64.7°C and a flash point of 11°C, it is classified as a highly flammable liquid . As one of the most widely produced industrial chemicals globally, methanol serves as a critical feedstock for numerous downstream products including formaldehyde, acetic acid, MTBE, DME, and olefins via Methanol-to-Olefins (MTO) technology . Its excellent solvency, miscibility with water and organic solvents, and emerging role as an alternative fuel make it indispensable across chemical manufacturing, energy, and industrial applications .
Product detail description
Key Properties of High-Purity Methanol
| Property | Typical Value | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Purity | ≥99.85% | Ensures consistent reaction yields; minimizes impurities that could affect catalysis or final product quality . |
| Appearance | Clear, Colorless Liquid | Indicates absence of contaminants or degradation products . |
| Water Content | ≤0.1% (1000 ppm) | Critical for moisture-sensitive reactions and fuel applications; prevents catalyst poisoning and phase separation . |
| Acidity (as Acetic Acid) | ≤0.003% | Low acidity ensures minimal corrosion of processing equipment and reactors . |
| Non-Volatile Matter | ≤0.001% | Guarantees clean evaporation without residues-essential for high-purity applications . |
| Boiling Point | 64.7°C | Moderate boiling point enables efficient distillation and recovery . |
| Flash Point | 11°C (Closed Cup) | Flammable; dictates handling, storage, and transportation protocols . |
| Density | ~0.791 g/mL at 20°C | Affects volumetric calculations for formulation and shipping . |
| Vapor Pressure | 96 mmHg at 20°C | High vapor pressure requires adequate ventilation during use . |
The Diverse Applications of Methanol Across Industries
| Industry Sector | Primary Application | Why Methanol? |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Synthesis | Formaldehyde Production | Methanol for formaldehyde production is the largest single use, converting methanol to formaldehyde for resins, adhesives, and plastics . |
| Chemical Synthesis | Acetic Acid | Methanol for acetic acid production via carbonylation; acetic acid is used in polymers, solvents, and food preservation . |
| Fuel Industry | MTBE & DME Production | Methanol for MTBE and Methanol for DME serve as fuel additives and alternatives to conventional fuels . |
| Olefins Production | Methanol-to-Olefins (MTO) | Methanol for MTO technology converts methanol to ethylene and propylene for plastics production . |
| Fuel Blending | Gasoline & Biodiesel | Methanol for fuel blending enhances octane and combustion efficiency; used in biodiesel transesterification . |
| Solvent Applications | Industrial Solvent | Methanol solvent dissolves paints, coatings, adhesives, and printing inks . |
| Pharmaceuticals | Solvent & Intermediate | Used in antibiotic production, vitamin synthesis, and as a crystallization medium . |
| Antifreeze | Coolant Additive | Methanol for antifreeze lowers freezing point in automotive and industrial cooling systems . |
Methanol in Chemical Synthesis: The Foundation for Formaldehyde and Acetic Acid
The two largest downstream markets for methyl alcohol are formaldehyde and acetic acid production:
Formaldehyde Production:
Approximately 40% of global methanol consumption goes to formaldehyde production via catalytic oxidation:
Process: Methanol is vaporized and reacted with air over a silver or metal oxide catalyst at 600-650°C
Products: Formaldehyde is used to produce urea-formaldehyde and phenol-formaldehyde resins for wood products, adhesives, and insulation
Quality Requirements: High purity methanol with low water content and minimal impurities ensures catalyst longevity and product quality
Acetic Acid Production:
Methanol for acetic acid production via the Monsanto or Cativa carbonylation process:
Process: Methanol reacts with carbon monoxide in the presence of a rhodium or iridium catalyst
Products: Acetic acid is used in vinyl acetate monomer (VAM), purified terephthalic acid (PTA), and acetate esters
Quality Requirements: Consistent purity and low sulfur content are critical for catalyst performance
Methanol in the Fuel Industry: MTBE, DME, and Gasoline Blending
Methanol for MTBE and Methanol for DME represent significant fuel-related applications:
MTBE Production:
Methanol reacts with isobutylene to produce MTBE, a high-octane gasoline oxygenate:
Improves combustion efficiency and reduces emissions
Methanol for MTBE requires high purity and low water content
DME Production:
Methanol is dehydrated to produce DME, a clean-burning aerosol propellant and diesel alternative
Gasoline Blending:
Methanol for fuel blending offers octane enhancement but requires cosolvents to prevent phase separation
Methanol-to-Olefins (MTO): The Game-Changing Technology
Methanol for MTO technology has revolutionized the petrochemical industry by providing a non-petroleum route to light olefins:
MTO Process Overview:
Methanol is dehydrated to DME over a catalyst
DME and methanol convert to ethylene and propylene over a zeolite catalyst (typically SAPO-34)
Olefins are separated and purified for polymer production
Importance of MTO:
Enables propylene and ethylene production from coal, natural gas, or biomass
Reduces dependence on petroleum-based feedstocks
Particularly important in coal-rich regions like China
Quality Requirements:
High purity methanol (≥99.85%) with controlled impurities
Low sulfur, low chloride, and low metal content to prevent catalyst poisoning
Consistent water content for process stability
Methanol as an Emerging Alternative Fuel
Methanol is gaining traction as a cleaner alternative fuel in multiple sectors:
Marine Fuel:
Methanol as marine fuel is emerging as a compliant solution for IMO 2020 sulfur regulations:
Lower SOx, NOx, and particulate emissions compared to heavy fuel oil
Biodegradable and water-soluble for easier spill management
Existing infrastructure can be adapted for methanol bunkering
Methanol Fuel Cells:
Methanol can be reformed to hydrogen for fuel cell applications or used directly in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) for portable power
Biodiesel Production:
Methanol is the alcohol of choice for biodiesel transesterification, reacting with vegetable oils or animal fats to produce fatty acid methyl esters (FAME)
Why Choose Shandong RuiShuang Chemical as Your Methanol Supplier?
1.Strategic Partnerships with Leading Manufacturers:
Our long-standing with top-tier Chinese chemical companies ensures priority access to high purity methanol from reputable methyl alcohol manufacturers. We leverage these relationships to secure competitive pricing and reliable allocation even during market tightness.
2.Comprehensive Quality Assurance:
We understand that industrial grade methanol for chemical synthesis, fuel applications, and other uses requires rigorous quality control. Every shipment is tested to meet specifications for purity (≥99.85%), water content, acidity, and non-volatile matter. Certificates of Analysis (COA) accompany all deliveries, ensuring full traceability.
3.Specialized Flammable Liquid Logistics:
Methanol requires specialized handling throughout the supply chain. Our integrated logistics system is designed specifically for flammable solvent transport:
Methanol ISO tank containers for efficient bulk transport (20-24 MT)
Methanol drums (160kg/55-gallon steel or plastic drums) for smaller volume requirements
Methanol bulk tanker deliveries for large industrial consumers
Experienced carriers certified for flammable materials
Compliance with international shipping regulations (IMDG, IATA, ADR)
4.Flexible Supply Solutions:
We recognize that different customers have different volume requirements:
Methanol spot cargo for immediate needs
Contract supply for predictable pricing and volume security
Warehouse storage for just-in-time delivery
Custom packaging options tailored to your receiving capabilities
5.Technical Expertise and Application Support:
The successful use of methanol requires understanding its properties and downstream processing requirements. Our team possesses deep technical knowledge to guide customers on:
Grade selection for specific applications (formaldehyde, acetic acid, MTO)
Methanol vs ethanol comparison for fuel applications
Regulatory compliance across different jurisdictions
Troubleshooting application challenges
6.Commitment to Safety and Compliance:
Our business philosophy prioritizes safety alongside customer satisfaction. We provide comprehensive safety documentation, including detailed methanol MSDS and handling guidelines, and work with customers to ensure they have the information needed to handle this material safely.
📞 Contact our sales team today for a competitive quote and expert consultation.
📧 Email:Devin@ruishuangchemical.com,Stefan@ruishuangchemical.com
📱 Phone/WhatsApp:+8618653633300,+8613573373908
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Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ
Q1: What are the safety considerations for handling Methanol?
A: With a methanol flash point of 11°C, it is a flammable liquid with significant toxicity concerns. Key safety measures include:
Store away from ignition sources (open flames, sparks, hot surfaces)
Use explosion-proof electrical equipment in handling areas
Ground and bond containers during transfer to prevent static discharge
Maintain adequate ventilation to control vapor exposure
Wear appropriate PPE: chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and respiratory protection
Never ingest-methanol is highly toxic and can cause blindness or death
Refer to methanol MSDS for comprehensive safety information
The OSHA PEL is 200 ppm (8-hour TWA) .
Q2: What packaging options are available for Methanol?
A: As a full-service methanol supplier, we offer multiple packaging solutions:
Methanol ISO tank containers (20-24 metric tons) – standard for international bulk transport
Methanol drums (160kg/55-gallon steel or plastic drums) – for smaller volume requirements
IBC totes (1000kg) – intermediate bulk containers for efficient handling
Methanol bulk tanker – for large-volume domestic deliveries
All packaging complies with flammable liquid regulations and maintains product integrity .