The IUPAC name of CH3OH is Methanol.
Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol, is the simplest alcohol, consisting of a methyl group (-CH3) bonded to a hydroxyl group (-OH). It is a vital industrial chemical and is often referred to as "wood alcohol" because it was historically produced as a byproduct of the destructive distillation of wood.
Understanding IUPAC Nomenclature for Alcohols
The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) provides a systematic way to name chemical compounds, ensuring clarity and consistency worldwide. For alcohols, the naming convention follows a few simple rules:
- Identify the longest carbon chain containing the hydroxyl (-OH) group.
- Name the parent alkane corresponding to this carbon chain.
- Replace the '-e' ending of the alkane name with '-ol'.
- Number the carbon chain starting from the end that gives the hydroxyl group the lowest possible number. If there are other substituents, prioritize the hydroxyl group for numbering.
- Indicate the position of the hydroxyl group (and any other substituents) with numbers.
Deconstructing the Name 'Methanol'
Let's apply these rules to CH3OH:
- Longest Carbon Chain: There is only one carbon atom in CH3OH.
- Parent Alkane: The alkane with one carbon atom is methane.
- Replace '-e' with '-ol': Methane becomes Methanol.
- Position of -OH: Since there's only one carbon, the hydroxyl group is inherently at position 1, so no number is needed (e.g., 1-Methanol is redundant).
This systematic approach clearly establishes Methanol as the official IUPAC name for CH3OH, distinguishing it from its common name, methyl alcohol.
Key Characteristics and Uses of Methanol (CH3OH)
Methanol is a versatile compound with numerous applications across various industries.
| Property/Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Formula | CH3OH |
| IUPAC Name | Methanol |
| Common Name(s) | Methyl alcohol, wood alcohol |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid |
| Odor | Pungent, distinctive alcohol odor (similar to ethanol) |
| Boiling Point | ~64.7 °C (148.5 °F) |
| Solubility | Miscible with water, ethanol, ethers, and many other organic solvents. |
| Flammability | Highly flammable liquid and vapor |
| Toxicity | Toxic by ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption. Can cause blindness, metabolic acidosis, and death. |
| Production Methods | Primarily from syngas (a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen) via catalytic synthesis. Historically, from wood distillation. |
Common Applications
Methanol's unique properties make it indispensable in many sectors:
- Chemical Feedstock: It is a crucial precursor for producing many other chemicals, including formaldehyde, acetic acid, and various plastics, paints, and adhesives. For instance, formaldehyde, derived from methanol, is used in resins for plywood and particleboard.
- Fuel: Methanol is used as an alternative fuel for vehicles (M85, M100) and in marine engines. It can also be converted to dimethyl ether (DME), which is an excellent diesel substitute, and methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), an octane booster for gasoline.
- Solvent: Due to its ability to dissolve a wide range of organic and inorganic compounds, methanol is used as a solvent in laboratories, in the production of pharmaceuticals, and in various industrial processes.
- Antifreeze: Its low freezing point makes it suitable for use in antifreeze solutions, especially in windshield washer fluids.
- Renewable Energy: It plays a role in the hydrogen economy as a hydrogen carrier, and is being explored for use in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) for portable power applications.
Safety Considerations
Despite its utility, methanol is toxic and should be handled with extreme caution. Ingestion of even small amounts can lead to severe health consequences, including permanent blindness or death, as it metabolizes into formic acid, which is highly toxic to the optic nerve. It is also flammable and requires proper storage and handling to prevent fire hazards.
For more detailed information on Methanol and its properties, you can refer to resources like Wikipedia's Methanol page or IUPAC Nomenclature of Organic Chemistry.
