Methanol is a neutral solution and shows negative results for all acid tests. Methanol is poisonous and if ingested can cause blindness. Methanol is very flammable and burns with a pale blue flame. It forms carbon dioxide and water on complete oxidation or combustion. Methanol reacts with Na to give off hydrogen gas.
Methanol reacts with ethanoic acid to give methyl ethanoate which is an ester.
Uses of methanol Methanol is mixed with ethanol and sold in the market as spirit. Ethanol is the alcohol that is consumed. This type of spirit is called denatured spirit. Denatured spirit is used in spirit lamps, for disinfectant effects, in wood polish, etc. Methanol is used as a major solvent for paints and varnishes.