The correct spelling of the word "methyl alcohol" is M-E-T-H-Y-L A-L-C-O-H-O-L. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced as /ˈmɛθɪl ˈælkəhɒl/. The first syllable "meth" is pronounced as "meth" in "methane". The second syllable "yl" is pronounced as "il" in "pencil". The third syllable "al" is pronounced as "al" in "pal". The fourth syllable "co" is pronounced as "ko" in "coke". And the last syllable "hol" is pronounced as "hol" in "whole".
Methyl alcohol, also known as methanol, is a volatile and highly flammable liquid chemical compound. It is the simplest form of alcohol, comprised of one carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms in its chemical structure. The chemical formula of methyl alcohol is CH₃OH.
Methyl alcohol is produced through the catalytic hydrogenation of carbon monoxide, and it can also be obtained from the destructive distillation of wood. It is a colorless liquid with a slightly sweet odor, similar to ethanol but with a lower boiling point of around 64.7°C (148.5°F).
This alcohol is commonly used as a solvent due to its excellent ability to dissolve a wide range of substances, including water, oils, and organic compounds. It is widely utilized in industries such as pharmaceuticals, paints, varnishes, and plastics. Methyl alcohol also serves as a vital component in the production of formaldehyde, acetic acid, and synthetic resins, as well as being utilized as an antifreeze agent, fuel, and denaturant for ethanol.
However, it is crucial to handle methyl alcohol with caution as it poses numerous health hazards and can be toxic if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Inhalation of its vapors may lead to headaches, dizziness, nausea, and even damage to the nervous system. Hence, appropriate safety measures and guidelines must be followed to ensure safe handling and storage of methyl alcohol.
Methylic alcohol, pyroxylic spirit, wood alcohol, obtained by the destructive distillation of wood; it is actively poisonous, causing blindness.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "methyl" comes from the Greek word "methy" (μέθυ), which means "wine" or "intoxicating drink". The term "methyl" was initially used to describe one of the primary constituents of the substance that causes intoxication in alcoholic beverages, namely ethanol. Over time, it was adopted in the field of chemistry to refer to a specific chemical group containing one carbon atom linked to three hydrogen atoms (CH3-), which is commonly found in various organic compounds.
The term "alcohol" on the other hand has Arabic origins, derived from the word "al-kuḥl" (الكحل). Originally, "al-kuḥl" referred to many substances, including powders used in cosmetics, but later came to specifically denote a type of distilled spirits.