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Methanol – Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Last Updated: February 6, 2020  Methanol is a highly flammable and toxic solvent supplied by Atlantic Methanol Production Company (AMPCO). It is used as a fuel, solvent, and industrial feedstock. Exposure can cause severe health effects including blindness, organ damage, and death.

Link to Safety Data Sheet (PDF)

Quick Facts

  • Product Name: Methanol
  • Chemical Name: Aliphatic Alcohol
  • Formula: CH₃OH
  • CAS Number: 67-56-1
  • Synonyms: Carbinol, Columbian Spirits, Methyl Alcohol, Pyroxylic Spirits, Wood Alcohol, Methyl Hydroxide
  • Supplier: AMPCO Marketing, L.L.C.
  • Address: 16945 Northchase Drive, Suite 1950, Houston, TX 77060
  • Phone: 281-872-8324
  • Website: www.atlanticmethanol.com
  • Emergency Phone: CHEMTREC 1-800-424-9300 (US) | +1-703-527-3887 (International)
  • GHS Classification:
    • Flammable Liquid – Category 2
    • Acute Toxicity (Oral, Dermal, Inhalation) – Category 3
    • Specific Target Organ Toxicity (Single Exposure) – Category 1
  • Signal Word: Danger
  • NFPA Ratings: Health (3), Flammability (3), Instability (0)

Hazards & Safety

  • Hazard Statements:
    • H225: Highly flammable liquid and vapor.
    • H301 + H311 + H331: Toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin, or if inhaled.
    • H370: Causes damage to organs (visual organs, central nervous system).
  • Precautionary Statements:
    • Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames. No smoking.
    • Use explosion-proof electrical and ventilation equipment.
    • Do not breathe vapors, mist, or spray.
    • Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing.
    • Wear protective gloves, clothing, and eye protection.
    • Do not eat, drink, or smoke when using this product.
    • Store locked up in a cool, well-ventilated place.
    • Dispose of contents and container in accordance with all local and federal regulations.
  • California Prop 65: WARNING: This product can expose you to methanol, known to cause birth defects or reproductive harm. For more information, visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

First Aid Measures

  • Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. Call a poison center or doctor immediately.
  • Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and rinse affected area with water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention immediately.
  • Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses and continue rinsing. Seek immediate medical attention.
  • Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Call a poison center or doctor immediately.
  • Note to Physicians: Methanol poisoning may cause acidosis and blindness. Treat symptomatically.

Fire & Explosion Data

  • Flash Point: 11 °C (51.8 °F)
  • Auto-Ignition Temperature: 464 °C (867 °F)
  • Flammable Limits: Lower: 6% | Upper: 36.5%
  • Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical powder, alcohol-resistant foam, CO₂, or water spray.
  • Unsuitable Media: Heavy water stream may spread burning liquid.
  • Special Hazards: Vapors may travel and ignite at distant sources. Containers may rupture under heat.
  • Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and formaldehyde.
  • Protective Gear: Firefighters should wear full protective gear and SCBA.

Handling & Storage

  • Handle with proper grounding and explosion-proof equipment.
  • Avoid inhalation of vapors and contact with skin or eyes.
  • Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames.
  • Store in a cool, well-ventilated, fireproof area away from oxidizers.
  • Keep container tightly closed and labeled.
  • Handle empty containers with care; residues may remain flammable.

Exposure & PPE

  • Exposure Limits (Methanol):
    • ACGIH TWA: 200 ppm | STEL: 250 ppm (Skin)
    • OSHA PEL: 200 ppm (260 mg/m³)
    • NIOSH REL: TWA 200 ppm | STEL 250 ppm | IDLH 6000 ppm
  • Eyes: Chemical goggles or face shield.
  • Skin: Protective gloves and flame-resistant clothing.
  • Respiratory: NIOSH-approved respirator when ventilation is inadequate.
  • Hygiene: Wash hands and exposed areas thoroughly after handling.

Physical & Chemical Properties

  • Appearance: Colorless liquid
  • Odor: Faint, sweet, alcohol-like odor
  • pH: 7.2
  • Boiling Point: 64 °C (147 °F)
  • Melting Point: –98 °C (–144 °F)
  • Flash Point: 11 °C (51.8 °F)
  • Auto-Ignition Temperature: 464 °C (867 °F)
  • Vapor Pressure: 128 mbar @ 20 °C
  • Density: 0.79 g/mL @ 20 °C
  • Vapor Density: 1.11 (Air = 1)
  • Solubility: Completely soluble in water
  • Viscosity: Not available
  • Flammability: Highly flammable liquid and vapor

Stability & Reactivity

  • Stable under recommended conditions.
  • Avoid ignition sources, static discharge, and incompatible materials.
  • Incompatible with strong oxidizers, acids, and reactive metals.
  • Decomposition may release CO, CO₂, and formaldehyde.

Toxicology & Ecology

  • Acute Toxicity: Toxic via ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact.
    LD₅₀ (oral, rat): 100 mg/kg | LD₅₀ (dermal, rabbit): 15,840 mg/kg | LC₅₀ (rat, inhalation): 22,500 ppm (8h)
  • STOT – Single Exposure: Causes damage to organs (eyes, CNS).
  • Chronic Exposure: May cause blindness or death.
  • Aquatic Toxicity: LC₅₀ (fish, 96h) = 28,200 mg/L | EC₅₀ (daphnia, 48h) = 1,340 mg/L
  • Persistence: Readily biodegradable.
  • Bioaccumulation: Log Pow = –0.77 (not bioaccumulative).

Transport & Disposal

  • UN Number: 1230
  • Proper Shipping Name: Methanol
  • Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable) | Subsidiary 6.1 (Toxic)
  • Packing Group: II
  • Marine Pollutant: No
  • ERG Number: 131
  • Disposal: Dispose of contents and containers according to federal, state, and local regulations.

Regulatory Status

  • TSCA: Listed
  • SARA 311/312: Fire Hazard; Acute Health Hazard; Chronic Health Hazard
  • SARA 313: Methanol (1% reporting threshold)
  • CERCLA RQ: 5000 lb
  • California Prop 65: WARNING: This product can expose you to Methanol, a chemical known to cause birth defects or reproductive harm.
  • NFPA Ratings: Health (3), Flammability (3), Instability (0)