Methanol (Methyl Alcohol)

Methanol is a common laboratory solvent. It is especially useful for HPLC, UV/VIS spectroscopy, and LCMS due to its low UV cutoff. The largest use of methanol, by far, is in making other chemicals. About 40% of methanol is converted to formaldehyde, and from there into products as diverse as plastics, plywood, paints, and permanent press textiles. It is also used as an antifreeze in pipelines and in windshield wiper fluid.

Synonyms: hydroxymethane; methanol; methyl hydroxide; wood alcohol; methyl alcohol