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The Miracle of Industrialization: How did methanol become the most important chemical raw material in the 20th century?
Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol or ligand alcohol, is an organic compound and the simplest fatty alcohol.With the progress of globalization and industrial demand, methanol has gradually become one of the most important chemical raw materials in the 20th century.From the initial pyrolysis of wood to the mass production of hydrogenated carbon monoxide today, methanol has applications across a variety of industries, including chemical synthesis, energy and environmental protection.
More than 20 million tons of methanol are produced each year, becoming a key raw material for the production of formaldehyde, acetic acid and a variety of special chemicals.
The Source and History of Methanol
The name of methanol comes from the pyrolysis process of wood. As early as the ancient Egyptian period, methanol was used for preservation.In 1661, Robert Boyle successfully isolated pure methanol for the first time, marking the entry of methanol into the stage of modern chemistry.Over time, the 19th-century French chemists Duma and Pelligot determined the elemental composition of methanol and promoted the use of the term "methyl".
Methanol production technology
Now, methanol production is mainly produced by the reaction of carbon monoxide and hydrogen.The reaction requires that it be carried out at high pressure, using copper and zinc oxides as catalysts.Modern low-pressure methanol production technology has been widely used, which has greatly improved production efficiency.
The methanol production process can not only be obtained from fossil fuels, but also has the potential to use hydrogen obtained from renewable energy and captured carbon dioxide to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Different applications of methanol
Methanol is extremely versatile.First of all, it is the main source of formaldehyde and acetic acid, which are important raw materials for the manufacture of plastics and synthetic fibers.In addition, methanol can also be converted into gasoline additive MTBE, which increases the octane number of the fuel.
The Rise of Green Methanol
With the increase in environmental awareness, the production of green methanol has gradually gained popularity.In 2023, only 0.2% of methanol production worldwide will adopt a low-emission method, most of which comes from biomass gasification.The production of green methanol will help achieve sustainable development goals and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Methanol's potential in energy transformation cannot be underestimated. As a liquid fuel that is easy to store and transport, it may become the new favorite in the energy industry in the future.
Safety and toxicity considerations
Although methanol has wide applications, its toxicity cannot be ignored.The vapor of methanol is flammable and a small amount of intake can lead to permanent blindness and even death.Therefore, be careful when handling and using methanol.
Looking forward
With the advancement of science and technology and the improvement of environmental awareness, the production and application of methanol are expected to be further expanded.In the future, with the increase in demand for renewable energy, methanol may become a more important energy carrier.
Faced with increasingly severe environmental challenges, can methanol realize its potential and become a key link in future energy transformation?
