Chapter 20.3, Problem 5RQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The importance of ethanol is to be explained.

Concept introduction: Methanol, also known as wood alcohol because it was formerly obtained by heating wood in the absence of air, is prepared industrially by the hydrogenation of carbon monoxide (catalyzed by a ${\text{ZnO/Cr}}_{\text{2}}{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}$ mixture).

  ${\text{CO+2H}}_2\underset{{\text{ZnO/Cr}}_{\text{2}}{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}}{\overset{400ºC}{\to }}{\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}\text{OH}$

Answer to Problem 5RQ

Acetic acid formation

In motor fuel

Explanation of Solution

Uses of methanol are:

• Methanol is used for the synthesis of acetic acid and it is also used in many types of adhesives
• It can also be used as a motor fuel.
• Pure methanol is used in the engines of the cars.

Conclusion

Thus, methanol is important in various fields.