Methanol is a colorless, flammable liquid that is commonly used as a solvent, fuel, and antifreeze. It is a type of alcohol that has a chemical formula of CH3OH, and is also known as wood alcohol due to its historical production from the destructive distillation of wood.

Methanol has a wide range of industrial applications and is used in the production of formaldehyde, acetic acid, and other chemicals. It is also commonly used as a fuel in racing cars and other high-performance vehicles due to its high octane rating and lower emissions compared to gasoline.

However, it is important to note that methanol is highly toxic when ingested, inhaled or absorbed through the skin. It can cause blindness, liver damage, and other serious health problems. Therefore, proper handling and storage procedures are necessary when working with methanol.

Despite its potential hazards, methanol is an important industrial chemical that plays a vital role in many manufacturing processes and applications.