What Exactly Is Methanol?
Methanol is the simplest alcohol. It looks and smells a lot like ethanol, which is exactly why it is dangerous. It is poisonous if swallowed or inhaled in quantity, and it burns with a flame that is hard to see in daylight. Industry values it because it is cheap, mixes with water and most solvents, and is a very useful building block. You can read the full profile on PubChem.
Who Buys Methanol, and What For?
Most of our enquiries fall into a few groups:
- Formaldehyde and resin makers: the largest use worldwide, feeding plywood adhesives, laminates and moulding compounds.
- Biodiesel producers: methanol reacts with oils and fats in the transesterification step.
- Acetic acid and other chemical plants: it is a starting material for several downstream products.
- Paint, ink and coating units: used as a solvent and thinner component.
- Pharma and API manufacturers: for extraction, washing and crystallisation, where a tighter grade matters.
- Laboratories and testing centres: AR, LR or HPLC-type requirements.
- Antifreeze and screen-wash makers: as a freezing-point depressant, in line with local rules.
For related sourcing, many buyers also order Acetone and Benzene from the same dispatch.
Methanol vs Ethanol vs IPA: Quick Comparison
| Factor | Methanol | Ethanol | IPA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toxicity | High, never for consumption | Lower | Moderate, not for consumption |
| Typical use | Chemical feedstock, solvent, biodiesel | Beverages, sanitisers, fuel blends | Cleaning, electronics, pharma |
| Cost | Usually lowest of the three | Varies with grade and duty | Mid-range |
Not sure which fits your process? Tell us what you are making and we will say honestly whether methanol is the right choice or not.
Why Plants Pick Us as Their Methanol Manufacturer in Maharashtra
- Short runs from the west coast: Dispatch from Maharashtra reaches Gujarat, Goa, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh faster than material coming from distant ports.
- A COA you can check: Purity, water content and acidity are reported batch by batch.
- Both drums and tankers: Small users are not forced into bulk, and big users are not forced into drums.
- Paperwork ready before the truck leaves: SDS, invoice and hazardous-goods transport papers.
- A person who picks up the phone: Spec questions go to someone who understands the product.
Buyer's Checklist Before You Place a Methanol Order
- Which grade do you need, and what is your maximum water content?
- How much per month, and is the demand steady or seasonal?
- Drums or tanker? Does your site have unloading and earthing arrangements?
- Do you hold the storage licence needed for your quantity?
- Who will receive the material, and are they trained to handle it?
Sending us these answers up front saves a round of emails and gets you a quote faster.
How to Place an Order
Send your requirement through our Contact Page. We reply with the specification, price and lead time. Once you approve, we dispatch with documents. For repeat buyers, we can set up monthly contract supply.
Safety, Storage and Legal Points You Should Not Skip
Methanol is serious business. Please keep these in mind:
- Never for drinking. Swallowing even a small amount can cause blindness or death. Label every container clearly.
- Keep away from ignition sources. Vapour is flammable and can travel along the floor to a spark.
- Earth and bond containers during transfer and use closed systems wherever possible.
- Protect yourself: chemical-resistant gloves, splash goggles and good ventilation.
- Store in approved, ventilated areas, away from oxidisers and heat.
Flammable liquid storage and transport in India need the right licences, so check with PESO. For environmental approvals in the state, contact the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board. For industry background on methanol safety, the Methanol Institute is a useful reference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is a trusted methanol manufacturer in Maharashtra?
Look for a supplier that gives batch COAs, full safety documents, legal transport and steady delivery. Shivam Industries offers this from Maharashtra and supplies industrial buyers across India.
What is methanol used for?
It is used to make formaldehyde and acetic acid, to produce biodiesel, as an industrial and lab solvent, and in antifreeze and some fuel applications.
What is the CAS number of methanol?
67-56-1.
Is methanol the same as ethanol?
No. They are different alcohols. Methanol is toxic and not safe to drink, while ethanol is the alcohol found in beverages.
What grades of methanol do you supply?
Industrial, AR and other grades can be discussed based on your use. Share your purity and water-content limits when you enquire.
Can I buy methanol in small quantities?
Yes, drum quantities are available. Contact us with your requirement.
What documents will I receive?
A COA, SDS, GST invoice and the transport documents for hazardous goods.
Do you deliver outside Maharashtra?
Yes, across India, including Gujarat, Karnataka, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi NCR, subject to route and regulatory requirements.
Is methanol flammable?
Yes, highly. Its flash point is low, so keep it away from heat, sparks and open flames.
Need a dependable methanol manufacturer in Maharashtra? Tell us your grade, quantity and delivery location, and we will send specs and a quote, usually within one working day.