Methanol ACS Reagent Grade

Product Overview

Methanol ACS Reagent Grade (synonyms: methyl alcohol, carbinol) is a colorless, volatile liquid with a slightly sweet odor that is widely used as a solvent and chemical synthesis reagent in analytical laboratories and industrial settings. This ACS-grade methanol meets stringent impurity specifications to ensure compatibility with high-precision analytical methods, including GC and HPLC workflows, and to minimize interference in UV-Vis spectroscopy and chromatographic separations. The product is formulated to provide consistent purity across batches, with low water content and trace metal contaminants in line with Reagent Chemicals, 11th Edition, and USP-NF Monograph expectations. Typical assay is 99.95 wt% with a validated GC or GC-FID method, and a color of APHA ≤ 5 to support accurate spectroscopic baselines and reproducible chromatographic retention times.

Designed for demanding laboratory applications, this methanol supports a wide range of use cases from mobile phases in reversed-phase HPLC to solvent media for chemical synthesis and extraction processes. Its stability under standard laboratory storage conditions, combined with a low acidity (meq ≤ 0.0003) and controlled aldehyde content, helps maintain baseline integrity in gradient chromatography and reduces potential interference in sensitive analyses. Proper handling and storage per SDS guidelines ensure safe, reliable performance in routine analytical workflows.

Key Properties

• Appearance: Colorless liquid
• Chemical Formula: CH₃OH
• Molecular Weight: 32.04 g/mol
• Boiling Point: 64.7°C
• Specific Gravity (20°C): 0.792–0.795 (typical 0.793)
• Residue (Ignition): ≤ 0.005% (typical 0.001%)
• Water Content: ≤ 0.05% (typical 0.01%)
• Chloride: ≤ 2 ppm (typical 0.5 ppm)
• Nitrate(NO3⁻): ≤ 2 ppm (typical 0.5 ppm)
• Ammonium (NH4⁺): ≤ 1 ppm (typical 0.2 ppm)
• Sulfate (SO4²⁻): ≤ 5 ppm (typical 1 ppm)
• Phosphate (PO4³⁻): ≤ 1 ppm (typical 0.2 ppm)
• Arsenic (As): ≤ 0.2 ppm (typical 0.05 ppm)
• Heavy Metals (Pb): ≤ 0.1 ppm (typical 0.02 ppm)
• Iron (Fe): ≤ 0.2 ppm (typical 0.05 ppm)
• Copper (Cu): ≤ 0.1 ppm (typical 0.02 ppm)
• Manganese (Mn): ≤ 0.2 ppm (typical 0.05 ppm)
• Nickel (Ni): ≤ 0.1 ppm (typical 0.02 ppm)
• Chromium (Cr): ≤ 0.2 ppm (typical 0.05 ppm)
• Sodium (Na): ≤ 0.5 ppm (typical 0.1 ppm)
• Potassium (K): ≤ 0.5 ppm (typical 0.1 ppm)
• Aluminum (Al): ≤ 0.2 ppm (typical 0.05 ppm)
• Sulfurous Acid (H2SO3): ≤ 1 ppm (typical 0.2 ppm)
• Water Solubility: Miscible with water and most organic solvents
• Flash Point: 11°C (52°F)
• Vapor Pressure (20°C): 97 mmHg
• Viscosity (25°C): 0.54 cP
• Refractive Index (20°C): 1.3288
• Density (25°C): 0.791 g/mL
• Shelf Life: 24 months from manufacture date when stored properly

Common Applications

• Application Category – Used as a mobile phase component in reversed-phase chromatography for efficient separation of organic compounds with low UV cutoff implications.
• Spectroscopy Solvent:> Application Category – Serves as a baseline solvent in UV-Vis spectroscopy due to its low UV cutoff wavelength and compatibility with common detectors.
• Chemical Synthesis:> Application Category – Solvent and reactant in pharmaceutical and fine-chemical synthesis, enabling a range of transformations under inert conditions.
• Fuel Additive:> Application Category – Employed as a combustion-enhancing additive to optimize ignition properties in specialized engines and burner systems.
• Extraction Medium:> Application Category – Utilized for extraction of flavors and fragrances from natural sources due to broad solubility and low impurity interference.
• Analytical Calibration Standard:> Application Category – Used as a calibration reference in quantitative methods due to tight lot-to-lot purity control and documented assay values.
• Moisture Reduction Solvent:> Application Category – Supports drying and moisture control steps in synthesis and purification workflows when used with appropriate drying agents.
• Laboratory Cleaning Solvent:> Application Category – Effective for degreasing glassware and equipment prior to sensitive analytical procedures, under controlled ventilation.

Safety Precautions

Handle methanol only in a well-ventilated area using appropriate PPE, including chemical splash goggles, protective gloves, and flame-arresting equipment. Store in cool, ventilated areas away from heat sources in HDPE or glass containers, and keep containers tightly closed to minimize vapor exposure. Avoid contact with oxidizers and acids, and maintain separation from ignition sources due to its highly flammable nature. Follow all storage and handling recommendations in the SDS and ensure compatible waste disposal aligned with local regulations.

Additional safety considerations include strict adherence to exposure controls and emergency procedures. Methanol is classified as Flam. Liq. 2, with acute toxicity and organ system effects on exposure (H225, H301, H311, H331, H370). In case of exposure, seek immediate medical attention, and utilize eyewash stations and emergency showers as required. Transportation follows UN 1230, Methanol, Class 3, PG II. Always consult the SDS before use and comply with OSHA, USP, ACS, and local regulatory standards for handling and spill response.

Benefits

✔ High Purity ACS Grade – Meets stringent ACS reagent specifications with low water content and minimal trace metals, supporting accurate analytical results and reproducible chromatographic performance.
✔ Low Impurity Profile – Low aldehydes, chlorides, sulfates, and heavy metals minimize interference in HPLC baselines and UV-Vis measurements.
✔ Stable, Reproducible Quality – Consistent assay and physical properties across batches enable reliable method transfer and robust process control.