Methanol 99.9% CAS 67-56-1: High-Purity Alcohol Solvent for Industrial Buyers
September 30, 2026 · Product Guide
Basic information
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Product name | Methanol |
| Synonyms | Methyl alcohol, wood alcohol, carbinol, methyl hydrate |
| CAS number | 67-56-1 |
| Molecular formula | CH4O |
| Molecular weight | 32.04 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colourless, volatile liquid |
| Assay / Purity | 99.90% min (typical commercial grade) |
| Solubility | Miscible with water, alcohols, ketones, esters, and most organic solvents |
| Boiling point | ~64.7 °C at 101.3 kPa |
| Flash point | ~11 °C (closed cup) |
| Packaging | 160 kg/drum |
| HS code | 2905.11 (typical commercial grade) |
| Storage | Cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from ignition sources; keep containers closed |
| Main uses | Solvent, chemical feedstock, fuel blending, biodiesel production, laboratory reagent |
1. Overview
Methanol is a polar protic solvent that is miscible with water and a wide range of organic liquids. Its combination of high polarity, low molecular weight and low boiling point makes it a preferred medium for reactions, extractions and fast-drying formulations. The 99.90% assay grade is a standard commercial specification for industrial buyers who require low moisture and consistent solvency.
As a volatile liquid with a flash point near 11 °C, methanol must be handled with appropriate engineering controls. Despite its flammability and toxicity, its role as a chemical feedstock and solvent is central to many manufacturing chains, including formaldehyde, acetic acid, methyl esters and fuel applications. Buyers typically evaluate methanol on purity, water content, acidity and trace impurities.
2. Manufacturing and supply
Industrial methanol is produced from synthesis gas — a mixture of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydrogen — through catalytic conversion over metal-based catalysts. The crude product is purified by distillation to reach 99.90% assay and low water content. It is supplied in 160 kg/drum packaging, as well as in ISO tanks and bulk vessels, with documentation covering assay, water, acidity and non-volatile matter. Supply chains are global, with production concentrated in regions with access to natural gas, coal or biomass feedstocks.
3. How it works
- Hydrogen bonding: Methanol participates in strong hydrogen bonding, which gives it high polarity and the ability to dissolve ionic and polar compounds as well as many resins and polymers.
- Miscibility: It is fully miscible with water and most organic solvents, enabling single-phase formulations and efficient extraction without phase separation.
- Azeotrope formation: Methanol forms minimum-boiling azeotropes with several organic compounds, which affects distillation design and solvent recovery.
- Volatility: Its low boiling point promotes rapid evaporation, useful for fast-drying coatings, inks and cleaning agents.
- Reactivity: Methanol acts as a nucleophile and a methylating agent; it undergoes transesterification with triglycerides and can be carbonylated to acetic acid derivatives.
- Hygroscopicity: It readily absorbs moisture from air, so storage and handling must limit water ingress to preserve assay.
4. Application areas in detail
4.1 Coatings, paints and inks
Methanol is used as a solvent in wood lacquers, nitrocellulose coatings, acrylic and epoxy systems, and printing inks. It improves flow, reduces viscosity and accelerates drying. Formulators use it in flexographic and gravure inks, as well as in resin dilution for can coatings and industrial finishes. Because it is miscible with esters and ketones, it helps balance evaporation rates in mixed-solvent systems.
4.2 Chemical synthesis and intermediates
A major share of methanol is consumed as a chemical feedstock for formaldehyde, acetic acid, methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), methylamines, dimethyl terephthalate and chloromethane. These intermediates feed into adhesives, plastics, resins, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and flame retardants. Methanol also serves as a methylating agent in fine chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
4.3 Biodiesel and methyl esters
In biodiesel production, methanol reacts with triglycerides via transesterification to produce fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) and glycerol. The reaction requires anhydrous methanol and a catalyst, typically sodium or potassium hydroxide. Methanol is also used to produce other methyl esters for oleochemicals, surfactants and lubricant additives. Consistent 99.90% assay and low water content are critical to avoid soap formation and yield loss.
4.4 Laboratory and analytical applications
Methanol is a common HPLC mobile phase component, a solvent for UV/Vis spectroscopy, and a medium for sample preparation and extraction. It is used in DNA and RNA precipitation protocols, in histology, and in the preparation of standards. Its low UV cutoff makes it suitable for gradient analysis. Laboratories require high-purity, low-water methanol to avoid baseline drift and contamination.
4.5 Cleaning and degreasing
Methanol is formulated into precision cleaning agents for electronics, optics and metal parts. It removes flux, oils, greases and photoresist residues. It is also used in de-icing fluids for gas pipelines, windshield washer fluid and fuel-line antifreeze. Its rapid evaporation and miscibility with water make it effective for water-displacing cleaning tasks.
4.6 Fuel blending and energy
Methanol is blended into gasoline, used as a marine fuel, and applied in direct-methanol fuel cells for portable power. It is also a feedstock for dimethyl ether and methanol-to-olefins processes. Fuel-grade methanol must meet specifications for water, acidity and chloride to protect engines and infrastructure.
5. Comparison with alternatives
| Alternative | Key difference | Practical implication |
|---|---|---|
| Ethanol | Higher boiling point, lower toxicity, food-grade available | Slower evaporation, higher cost; preferred where toxicity is a concern |
| Isopropanol | Higher boiling point, lower polarity | Better for slower-drying cleaning and disinfection; less effective for polar resins |
| Acetone | Stronger solvency for some resins, higher volatility | Faster drying but stronger odour and different resin compatibility |
| Ethyl acetate | Ester solvent, milder odour, lower toxicity | Good for flexible packaging inks; less polar than methanol |
| Toluene | Non-polar aromatic, higher solvency for oils | Poor water miscibility; different regulatory and toxicity profile |
| Water | Non-flammable, non-toxic, low cost | Cannot dissolve many resins; requires surfactants or co-solvents |
Choose methanol when you need a polar protic solvent with full water miscibility, low boiling point and strong hydrogen-bonding capacity, provided the flammability and toxicity profile is managed.
6. Handling, storage and compliance
Store methanol in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from ignition sources, oxidizers and acids. Use grounded equipment, explosion-proof electricals, and closed containers to limit vapour release. PPE should include chemical splash goggles, face shield, solvent-resistant gloves and protective clothing; respiratory protection is required if ventilation is inadequate. Methanol is classified as a flammable liquid (UN 1230, Class 3, Packing Group II) and as toxic by ingestion, inhalation and skin contact. Compliance includes exposure limits, hazard communication, and transport documentation. Keep containers closed and inspect for leaks; do not store near hygroscopic materials that can introduce water.
FAQ
Q1. What is the typical assay and water content of this methanol grade? The standard commercial grade is 99.90% assay. Water content is typically limited to 0.10% or lower, but buyers should request a certificate of analysis for the exact specification.
Q2. What is the shelf life of methanol in 160 kg drums? Methanol is stable when stored in closed containers away from ignition sources. Shelf life is typically 24 months or more, provided moisture and contamination are controlled.
Q3. Can methanol be used as a solvent for nitrocellulose coatings? Yes. Methanol is a common active solvent for nitrocellulose and many acrylic and epoxy resins. It is often blended with esters or ketones to optimise evaporation and flow.
Q4. How is methanol used in biodiesel production? Methanol reacts with triglycerides via transesterification to form fatty acid methyl esters and glycerol. Anhydrous methanol and an alkaline catalyst are used, and excess methanol is recovered.
Q5. What are the main safety hazards of methanol? Methanol is highly flammable and toxic. It can cause blindness or death if ingested or inhaled in large amounts. Use engineering controls, PPE and monitoring to keep exposure below occupational limits.
Q6. What is the difference between methanol and methyl alcohol? They are the same chemical. Methyl alcohol is a synonym for methanol; both refer to CAS 67-56-1.
Q7. Is methanol miscible with water? Yes, methanol is fully miscible with water in all proportions. This property supports aqueous formulations, extraction and cleaning applications.
Q8. What packaging options are available for bulk buyers? Standard packaging is 160 kg/drum. Bulk buyers can also receive methanol in ISO tanks, road tankers or rail cars, depending on volume and logistics.