Combustion of Methanol

2CH₃OH + 3O₂ → 2CO₂ + 4H₂O

Overview

Methanol burns in air with a nearly invisible pale blue flame, making methanol fires extremely dangerous because they are hard to see. This was a particular hazard in early Indianapolis 500 racing, where methanol-fueled cars sometimes caught fire without visible flames.

Participants

Role	Substance	Coefficient	State
Reactant	Methanol CH₃OH	2	(l)
Reactant	Oxygen O	3	(g)
Product	Carbon Dioxide CO₂	2	(g)
Product	Water H₂O	4	(l)

Everyday Example

Methanol is used as fuel in camping stoves, RC cars, and was the standard fuel for IndyCar racing until the switch to ethanol.

Industrial Importance

Methanol fuel cells are being developed for portable electronics and vehicles. Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) convert methanol to electricity without combustion.

Properties

Type: Combustion
Reversible: No
Energy: Exothermic
ΔH: -1452.0 kJ/mol

Related Reactions

Combustion of Acetylene Combustion of Benzene Combustion of Butane Combustion of Carbon Monoxide Combustion of Cyclohexane Combustion of Ethane Combustion of Ethanol Combustion of Ethylene Combustion of Glucose (Cellular Respiration) Combustion of Glycerol

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Combustion of Methanol?

The balanced equation is: 2CH₃OH + 3O₂ → 2CO₂ + 4H₂O.

What type of reaction is Combustion of Methanol?

Combustion of Methanol is a combustion reaction.

Is Combustion of Methanol exothermic or endothermic?

Combustion of Methanol is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -1452.0 kJ/mol.