Methanol

Methanol - a common alcohol in wide use
Methanol is also known as methyl alcohol or wood alcohol. It occurs naturally in the environment, being generated by biological processes occurring in vegetation, microorganisms and other living species. It is water soluble and is biodegradable in either the presence or the absence of air. It does not generate any significant odor. Described by the chemical formula CH3OH, methanol is a colorless liquid which has a number of industrial and consumer market uses. As a basic building block for hundreds of chemical products, methanol is being used safely and effectively for everything from plastics and paints to construction materials and windshield washer fluid.

Liquid methanol contains more energy per unit weight than any stored form of hydrogen applicable for man portable power applications. It is significantly safer to handle than any form of stored hydrogen of significant energy content. Like other alcohols, methanol is flammable, however, small volumes of methanol packaged in sealed plastic containers, present little, if any danger to potential users in portable power applications. Approved fuel cartridges may be transported anywhere in the world via air-freight, making methanol the ideal fuel choice for portable fuel cells.

For additional methanol FAQs, please visit The Methanol Institute at http://www.methanol.org