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methanol (CH3OH)
Also known as methyl alcohol or wood alcohol, a poisonous type of alcohol used as a solvent or paint remover, as a raw material for making methanal, and as an ingredient in some types of antifreeze. It is made by catalytic oxidation of methane (from natural gas) using air and was formerly made by the dry distillation of wood.
In considering, whether some forms of extraterrestrial life might use solvents other than water, methanol is one possible candidate.
| Density relative to water | 0.79 |
| Melting point | -98 °C |
| Boiling point | 64 °C |
Related category
• ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
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