Methanol Molecule in 3D: CH₃OH Structure and Facts
Methanol is a carbon atom with three hydrogens and an OH group, the simplest alcohol. It is a useful fuel and chemical, but it is poisonous to drink. In Molecule Studio you can spin the methanol molecule, zoom in on each atom and measure its bonds.
Explore in 3DMethanol quick facts
| Chemical formula | CH₃OH |
|---|---|
| Molar mass | 32.04 g/mol |
| Atoms in one molecule | 6 |
| Shape | Tetrahedral around carbon |
| Group | Alcohols |
What is methanol used for?
- Making formaldehyde and plastics
- Fuel and windscreen washer fluid
- Solvent in labs
Interesting facts about methanol
- It is the simplest alcohol.
- It is poisonous, even in small amounts.
- It was once made by heating wood, so it was called wood alcohol.
- It burns with an almost invisible flame.
What you can do in 3D
Turn the molecule to see it from every side, switch between ball and stick, space filling and wire views, and tap atoms to measure bond lengths and angles.
More alcohols molecules
Methanol questions
What is the formula of methanol?
CH3OH, also written CH4O.
Is methanol safe to drink?
No. Methanol is poisonous and can cause blindness or death.
What is methanol used for?
Making other chemicals, as a fuel and in screen wash.
What is the difference between methanol and ethanol?
Methanol has one carbon and is poisonous. Ethanol has two carbons and is the alcohol in drinks.
Molecule Studio is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up. In the tool, molecules load from the built-in library or from PubChem.