Products
Methanol is available as a chemical in stores and, for example, in pharmacies and drugstores.
Structure and properties
Methanol (CH3OH, Mr = 32.0 g/mol) exists as a colorless liquid with an alcohol-like odor that is miscible with water. It is harmful to health and highly flammable. Methanol vapors can form an explosive mixture with air. The boiling point is 65°C. Methanol is the simplest alcohol and is formally derived from methane.
Applications
Methanol is mainly used technically rather than medicinally, for example as a solvent. Unlike ethanol, methanol is not consumed as a stimulant.
Adverse effects
Methanol is toxic and fatal even in small amounts (1-2 ml/kg/KG). Typical symptoms include gastrointestinal symptoms, central disturbances, metabolic acidosis, and visual disturbances. Symptoms occur with a time delay of up to 24 hours. Due to the toxicity, the information in the safety data sheet should be carefully observed in case of use. Methanol is metabolized in the body by alcohol dehydrogenase to formaldehyde and then further to formic acid. Ethanol (alcohol) or fomepizole, which inhibit alcohol dehydrogenase and thus the formation of the toxic metabolites, are used as antidotes.
