Methanol

from source

CH4O · 32.042 g/mol

methyl alcohol · wood alcohol · wood naphtha · wood spirits

What is Methanol?

Wood alcohol. Chemically the smallest alcohol and industrially useful, but the body converts it into formic acid, which is why it is poisonous to drink. Found in wine and spirits. from source

CategoryEveryday chemistry

Chemical familyAlcohols

LeaderboardsBiggest Deadliest

Fig. 1 · 2D structure RDKit

SMILESCO

Where you'll find it

Winewhat else is in it →Spiritswhat else is in it →Paint and solventwhat else is in it →

Curated by MoleculeFinder from source

Relative acute toxicity from source

Animal study data · LD50

Reported LD50: 5,628 mg/kg · very low toxicity
Species: rat
Route: oral

An LD50 describes acute toxicity under experimental conditions and is not a safe or dangerous dose for a person.

Toxicity & hazards

Toxicity · LD50

5,628 mg/kg · very low toxicity · LD50 rat oral from source

2 more reported values

7,300 mg/kgLD50 · oral · mouse
14,400 mg/kgLD50 · oral · rabbit

DangerFlammableToxicIrritantHealth hazardH225, H301, H302, H303, H311, H319, H331, H335, H336, H360, H370, H372from source

Compare with

Methanol vs Ethanol

Sources & methodology

PubChem CID: 887
Wikidata: Q14982
Structure: PubChem → RDKit
LD50: PubChem
Everyday relationships: MoleculeFinder editorial curation
Data refreshed: October 19, 2026

How MoleculeFinder sources and labels its data