Methanol (General Use)

Buy Methanol (General Use) Online from Leading UK Chemical Suppliers

ReAgent is a long-established UK chemical manufacturer and distributor with nearly 50 years of experience. We supply methanol for general use in a range of convenient pack sizes, including 2.5L containers, 25L containers, and 200L drums, with competitive discounts available on bulk orders.

All methanol products are supported by a downloadable Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), and we also offer custom packaging, personalised labelling, and bespoke pack sizes to suit your operational requirements.

Key properties of methanol include:

• Chemical name: Methanol (Methyl Alcohol)
• Chemical formula: CH₃OH
• Appearance: Clear, colourless liquid with a mild odour
• Boiling point: 64.7°C
• Melting point: -97.6°C
• Density: 0.7918 g/cm³ at 20°C
• CAS number: 67-56-1
• Miscibility: Completely miscible with water, ethanol, ether, and most organic solvents

Methanol is widely used across industry as a solvent, antifreeze, and fuel additive, as well as in the production of chemicals and resins.

Applications of Methanol for General Use

Methanol is a versatile solvent and raw material with a wide range of commercial and industrial applications, including:

• Solvent use: Commonly employed in paints, varnishes, inks, and adhesives
• Fuel additive: Blended into fuels to improve combustion efficiency
• Antifreeze: Used in automotive and industrial systems to prevent freezing
• Chemical feedstock: A building block for the production of formaldehyde, acetic acid, and other chemicals
• Cleaning and degreasing: General use in industrial cleaning where ultra-high purity is not required

Methanol Toxicity and Safety Considerations

Methanol is a highly toxic alcohol and must be handled with extreme care. Unlike ethanol, even small amounts of methanol can be dangerous:

10 mL of pure methanol can cause serious poisoning

30 mL can be fatal if ingested

The dangers arise from:

• Direct effects on the central nervous system – symptoms similar to alcohol intoxication (headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion).
• Metabolic conversion to formic acid – after ingestion or absorption, methanol is metabolised in the liver:
  • Step 1: Methanol → Formaldehyde (via alcohol dehydrogenase)
  • Step 2: Formaldehyde → Formic acid (via aldehyde dehydrogenase)

Formic acid causes metabolic acidosis and disruption of cellular metabolism, leading to potentially permanent damage.Symptoms of methanol poisoning include:

• Early effects: headache, dizziness, nausea, poor coordination, confusion
• Severe exposure: unconsciousness, respiratory failure, and death
• Delayed effects (10–30 hours post-exposure): blurred vision, blindness, acidosis, retinal oedema

Safe Handling and Storage of Methanol

Because of the risks involved with this chemical, safe handling and storage is vital:

• Store in tightly sealed containers made of compatible materials
• Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from ignition sources
• Use appropriate PPE, including gloves, goggles, and protective clothing
• Avoid inhalation, ingestion, or prolonged skin contact
• Always consult the MSDS before handling

Why Choose ReAgent Chemicals for Methanol?

With almost 50 years of experience in chemical manufacturing and supply, ReAgent offers reliable and high-quality methanol. We provide a variety of pack sizes, including 2.5L, 25L, and 200L, with bulk order discounts available. Our flexible services include custom packaging and labelling to meet your needs.We ensure ADR-compliant nationwide delivery, usually within 24 hours, and offer free technical advice from our expert team. In addition to general-use methanol, we supply higher-purity grades, including analytical and laboratory-grade options, for a wide range of applications.

Fast Delivery

Most orders are usually shipped within 24 hours after purchase to ensure a speedy delivery. If you need any assistance, simply contact a member of staff for further information and free technical advice. In addition to methanol for general use, we also offer for analytical and laboratory uses, with a higher degree of purity.