Methanol, also called methyl alcohol and methyl hydrate, is a highly flammable biofuel. This substance can be obtained through the destructive distillation of wood (main), processing of sugar cane or through gases of fossil origin. Its chemical properties are similar to ethanol, however, its toxicity is much higher. Its formula is: CH3OH.
After being produced, methanol is widely used in chemical industries, as it is an important industrial solvent, showing great efficiency in the process of dissolving some salts. It can also be used in the manufacture of plastic, preparation of vitamins and hormones, solvent in pharmacological reactions, production of biodiesel, fuel, among others.
The use of methanol as fuel was heavily criticized, as this substance pollutes the environment, it is extremely toxic and, in case of fire, its flame is clean and clear, practically invisible, a fact that makes it difficult to fire control. Another problem mentioned is related to health, since frequent contact with methanol can cause cancer, eye irritation, headache, vomiting, nausea, etc.
Brazilian methanol production technology has achieved good results in the last two decades. The distillation of eucalyptus is the main process used, in which the resulting gas is compressed and, by catalysis, gives rise to methanol. However, there is still a need to develop techniques to reduce costs during production, in addition to improving the distribution of methanol to the consumer market.
By Wagner de Cerqueira and Francisco
Graduated in Geography
Brazil School Team
Biofuels - Fuels - geography - Brazil School
