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.

This page was last updated on October 20, 2008.