Description and uses of wood alcohol?

Wood alcohol, also known as methanol, is a simple alcohol with the chemical formula CH3OH. It is a colorless, flammable, toxic liquid with a distinctive odor similar to ethanol (drinking alcohol). Methanol is commonly used as a solvent and as a fuel, and it is also found in many other products such as paint thinners, windshield washer fluid, and antifreeze. Here are some of the main uses of wood alcohol:

Solvent: Methanol is a good solvent for many substances, including paints, resins, lacquers, and varnishes. It is often used in paint thinners and cleaning products.

Fuel: Methanol can be used as a fuel on its own or in blends with other fuels, such as gasoline. It is sometimes used as a fuel for model airplanes and racing cars.

Denaturant: Methanol is added to ethanol to make it undrinkable, creating denatured alcohol. This process makes the ethanol unsuitable for human consumption and is used for industrial and scientific purposes.

Chemical intermediate: Methanol is used as a starting material for the production of other chemicals, such as formaldehyde, acetic acid, and methyl esters.

Antifreeze: Methanol is sometimes used as an antifreeze in automotive cooling systems, although it is less commonly used than ethylene glycol due to its toxicity.

Windshield washer fluid: Methanol is added to some windshield washer fluids to dissolve dirt and grime and prevent freezing.

It is important to note that wood alcohol is toxic and can cause serious health problems if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Adequate ventilation and safety precautions should always be taken when working with methanol.