Methanol Technical Grade

Product Overview

Methanol Technical Grade (synonyms: Methyl Alcohol, Carbinol; CAS 67-56-1) is a colorless, volatile liquid with a characteristic slightly sweet odor. This reagent-grade methanol is manufactured to precise specifications to support analytical and industrial workflows, delivering high assay purity and low impurity levels. With excellent miscibility in water and most organic solvents, it functions effectively as a universal solvent, a chromatography mobile phase component, and a precursor in a variety of syntheses. Typical assay range is 99.0–99.9 wt% (GC method), with trace level contaminants controlled to meet ACS/USP-NF expectations for technical grade use.

In addition to its role as a solvent, Methanol Technical Grade serves as a reliable starting material for chemical production, fuel additives, and antifreeze formulations. The product is designed for compatibility with HDPE or glass containment and is suitable for use in analytical laboratories, research facilities, and manufacturing operations that require stringent purity and trace impurity controls. Adherence to standard storage, handling, and safety practices ensures consistent performance across batches while maintaining regulatory compliance.

Key Properties

• Property Name: Appearance – Clear, colorless liquid
• Chemical Formula: CH₃OH
• Molecular Weight: 32.04 g/mol
• Boiling Point: 64.7°C
• Specific Gravity: 0.791–0.793 (typical 0.792) at 20°C
• Density (25°C): 0.791 g/mL
• Vapor Pressure (20°C): 97 mmHg
• Viscosity (25°C): 0.54 cP
• Refractive Index (20°C): 1.3288
• Flash Point: 11°C (52°F)
• Water Content (Karl Fischer): 0.02–0.05% w/w (typical 0.02%)
• Residue (Ignition): 0.001% max (typical 0.0005%)

Common Applications

• HPLC Mobile Phase: Used as a mobile phase component in reversed-phase HPLC to achieve consistent separation of organic compounds with reliable chromatographic reproducibility.
• Spectroscopy Solvent: Serves as a baseline solvent in UV-Vis spectroscopy due to low UV cutoff and solvent transparency.
• Fuel Additive: Employed as a combustion-enhancing additive in select engine formulations and testing environments.
• Solvent for Chemical Reactions: Facilitates dissolution of reactants in various synthetic and process chemistries.
• Antifreeze Component: Participates in antifreeze formulations to depress the freezing point of aqueous systems.
• Industrial Cleaning: Used as a cleaning solvent for laboratory glassware and process equipment where rapid evaporation is required.
• Extraction Solvent: Suitable for selective extraction processes in analytical and preparative contexts.

Safety Precautions

Handle Methanol Technical Grade in a well-ventilated area away from ignition sources. Use appropriate PPE including chemical-resistant gloves, splash goggles, and protective clothing. Store in HDPE or glass containers, away from heat, sparks, and oxidizers. Ensure containers are properly labeled and sealed to prevent moisture ingress and contamination. Ground and bond during transfers to mitigate static discharge risks, and follow applicable flammable-liquid handling procedures per OSHA standards.

In case of exposure or spill, follow emergency procedures outlined in the SDS. Methanol is highly flammable and toxic; provide adequate ventilation, avoid inhalation and dermal contact, and implement appropriate containment and cleanup measures. In the event of skin contact, wash with soap and water; for inhalation, move to fresh air and seek medical attention if symptoms persist. For ingestion, do not induce vomiting and contact a poison control center or medical professional immediately.

Benefits

✔ High Purity Assurance – Meets ACS Reagent Grade/USP-NF expectations with precise GC assay control (99.0–99.9% min; typical 99.8%), supporting reliable analytical results and process consistency.
✔ Consistent Physical Properties – Tight specification ranges for density, refractive index, and vapor pressure enable reproducible chromatography and solvent-based reactions across batches.