| Methanol
is a clear biodegradable liquid petrochemical made usually from natural
gas.
Methanol is used to make countless industrial
and consumer products such as synthetic textiles, recyclable
plastics, household paints and adhesives, foam cushions and
pillows, and even common medicines such as ASA (acetylsalicylic
acid).
Methanol is also used to manufacture a fuel component that when
added to gasoline makes the gas burn more cleanly and produce
fewer emissions.
Markets are expanding for increased methanol use for
biodiesel production, dimethyl ether (DME), power generation
and other applications. New applications and uses for methanol
also continue to grow. In the future, methanol could be used
as a rich source of hydrogen for fuel cells that may power
a variety of applications from lap top computers to automobiles.
Like most chemicals, methanol must be handled and used with care because it is flammable and toxic if swallowed. For more information about methanol
safe handling, see our technical
and safety information page.
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