Methanol

CAS 67-56-1CH4O32.042 g/mol

Methanol is the primary alcohol that is the simplest aliphatic alcohol, comprising a methyl and an alcohol group. It has a role as a Mycoplasma genitalium metabolite, a fuel, an amphiprotic solvent, a mouse metabolite, an Escherichia coli metabolite and a human metabolite. It is a volatile organic compound, a primary alcohol, an alkyl alcohol and a one-carbon compound. It is a conjugate acid of a methoxide.

IUPAC: methanol

PubChem

Physical & Chemical Properties

Physical and chemical properties
Melting Point	-144 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point	148.3 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density	0.792 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
Solubility	greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992)
Flash Point	52 °F (NTP, 1992)
Vapor Pressure	100 mmHg at 70.2 °F ; 237.87 mmHg at 100 °F (NTP, 1992)
Appearance	Methanol appears as a colorless fairly volatile liquid with a faintly sweet pungent odor like that of ethyl alcohol. Completely mixes with water. The vapors are slightly heavier than air and may travel some distance to a source of ignition and flash back. Any accumulation of vapors in confined spaces, such as buildings or sewers, may explode if ignited. Used to make chemicals, to remove water from automotive and aviation fuels, as a solvent for paints and plastics, and as an ingredient in a wide variety of products.

Data: PubChem · Last updated: 4/20/2026

GHS Classification

Danger

Pictograms

🔥

Flame

Flammable gases, aerosols, liquids, solids

GHS02

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Skull & Crossbones

Acute toxicity (fatal or toxic)

GHS06

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Health Hazard

Carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, organ toxicity

GHS08

Hazard Statements

H225Highly flammable liquid and vapour

H301Toxic if swallowed

H311Toxic in contact with skin

H331Toxic if inhaled

H370Causes damage to organs (eyes)

Precautionary Statements

P210Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces

P280Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection

Hazard Classes

Flammable liquid — Cat. 2Acute toxicity (oral) — Cat. 3Acute toxicity (dermal) — Cat. 3Acute toxicity (inhalation) — Cat. 3Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure — Cat. 1

ECHA Classification & Labelling Inventory · Last updated: 4/20/2026