26 lines
899 B
Markdown
26 lines
899 B
Markdown
## Methanol
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**Formula**
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$CH3OH$
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**Pyrotechnics use**
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Solvent
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**Synonyms**
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Wood alcohol, methyl alcohol, hydroxymethane, carbinol
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**Description**
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Methanol is used as a solvent, much in the same way ethanol is used. Red gum and shellac, two common binders both dissolve in methanol. Methanol/water mixtures are also often used since the methanol increases the 'wetness' of the water (it reduces the surface tension of the water) and reduces the solubility of common oxidisers.
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**Sources**
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Methanol is often more cheaply and easily available than ethanol because it is toxic and no extra taxes are charged for it. It finds use in a certain type of camping stove and can often be bought in camping supply stores.
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**Hazards**
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Methanol is flammable, volatile and toxic. Methanol vapour is heavier than air and spreads over the ground. Provide adequate ventilation when working with methanol
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