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Name: Casimero Glenn V. Gerona

Section: BSCE-13

NPS - 120: Chemistry For Engineers

Alternative Fuel and Fuel Additives

Alternative Fuel - METHANOL

How it was Discovered:

The ancient Egyptians are considered to be the first to discover Methanol.

They obtained it from the pyrolysis of wood and utilised it, along with a mixture of

other substances in embalming. But Pure methanol was first isolated in 1661 by Irish

chemist - Robert Boyle, when he produced it via the distillation of boxwood. He called

it spirit of box, because he produced it via the distillation of boxwood.

Method of Production:

Method of Production from synthesis gas —

Methanol is produced from synthesis gas in 200 atmosphere pressures over a

chemical catalyst containing oxides of copper, zinc, and chromium at 300 °C.

CO + 2H2 → CH3OH

Method of Production of methanol from methane —

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Catalytic oxidation of methane produced CH3OH. A mixture of methane and

oxygen (9:1 ratio) produced methyl alcohol when passed through a copper

tube at 200 °C and 100 atmospheric pressure.

CH4 + ½O2 → CH3OH

Environmental and Health Concerns:

Acute Effects (Short Term):

Exposure of humans to methanol by inhalation or ingestion may result

in visual disturbances, such as blurred or dimness of vision, leading to

blindness. Neurological damage, specifically permanent motor

dysfunction, may also result.

Contact of skin with methanol can produce mild dermatitis in humans.

Chronic Effects (Long Term):

Chronic inhalation or oral exposure to methanol may result in headache,

dizziness, giddiness, insomnia, nausea, gastric disturbances,

conjunctivitis, visual disturbances (blurred vision), and blindness in

humans.
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Molecular Structure:

Where it is added:

As well as being a major component in windshield washer fluid, methanol is

used as an additive in gasoline. When added to gasoline it serves as an antifreeze

and octane booster to give the fuel a better, cleaner burn.

How it is used in today’s industry:

Methanol is used in the production of chemicals, as well as in the manufacturing

of polyester fibers, acrylic plastics, and various pharmaceuticals. About 40% of

methanol is converted to formaldehyde and from there into products as diverse

as plastics, plywood, paints, explosives, and permanent press textiles.

Fuel Additive - ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL

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How it was Discovered:

First produced in 1920, it was manufactured by Standard Oil for use as an

oxidation catalyst in acetone. During World War II, IPA and acetone were used in mass

quantities in the production of cordite, a smokeless propellant; it wasn’t until later years

that IPA was found to be effective as a sanitizing and anesthetizing agent when it was

mixed with water.

Method of Production:

Isopropyl alcohol can be produced via three different methods. These are the indirect

hydration of propylene, direct hydration of propylene and catalytic hydrogenation of

acetone.

Indirect Hydration of Propylene —

Indirect hydration is also called the sulfuric acid process since it

requires a reaction with sulfuric acid. This is a two-step process: the

reaction between propylene and sulfuric acid to produce

monoisopropyl and diisopropyl sulfates, followed by a reaction with

water that hydrolyzes these intermediates into isopropyl alcohol.

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Direct Hydration of Propylene —

Direct hydration of propylene is a more recent manufacturing process

and is only a single-step reaction. In direct hydration, solid or

supported acidic catalysts are used when reacting propylene and water

at high pressures, producing a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water

that can then be separated using distillation.

Catalytic Hydrogenation of Acetone —

Catalytic hydrogenation is accomplished by reacting acetone with

hydrogen gas under high pressure and in the presence of metal

catalysts, such as Raney nickel, palladium and ruthenium.

Environmental and Health Concerns:

IPA is known as a skin and lung irritant, but prolonged exposure to it can have other

negative health effects as well — it is classified as a central nervous system depressant,

which means it can cause:

⚫ Flushed skin

⚫ Nausea and vomiting

⚫ Hypothermia
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⚫ Headaches

⚫ Dizziness

⚫ Shock

In cases of severe overexposure, it can even cause respiratory depression, severe central

nervous system issues, and liver damage. In worst-case scenarios, overexposure can

even put you in a coma. In the early 20th century, isopropyl alcohol was no longer used

as an anesthetic during surgeries.

Molecular Structure:

Where it is Added:

⚫ Isopropyl alcohol added to water can be used as a rubbing-alcohol antiseptic.

⚫ In industry it is used as an inexpensive solvent for cosmetics, drugs, shellacs, and

gums, as well as for denaturing ethanol (ethyl alcohol).

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⚫ Added to wet gas, it helps to prevent separation and freezing of a water layer.

Isopropyl alcohol is easily oxidized to acetone, another important solvent.

How it is used in today’s Industry:

⚫ Used as a solvent and intermediate in the production of chemicals. In industry, it

is used as a solvent for instant manufacture of cements, primers, paints and

varnishes.

⚫ Most commonly used as a disinfectant for wiping down the surfaces of furniture

and shelves in the operating room. It is effective against HBV viruses and is,

therefore, used to clean blood or body fluids from the surface of equipment or

furniture in the operating room.

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References

A. (2021, March 22). General Data Protection Regulation(GDPR) Guidelines BYJU’S.

BYJUS. Retrieved March 8, 2022, from https://byjus.com/chemistry/isopropyl-

alcohol/

Everything You Need To Know About Isopropyl Alcohol. (n.d.). SOSCleanroom.Com.

Retrieved March 8, 2022, from

https://www.soscleanroom.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-

isopropyl-alcohol/

Kiely, J. K. (2014). Online Resources for Introducing Bioethics through Case-Studies

and Active LearningComparative review of: Bioethics

101https://www.nwabr.org/sites/default/files/NWABR_Bioethics_101_5.13.p

df and Exploring Bioethicshttps://www.nwabr.org/teacher-center/bioethics-

101#overview. Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education, 15(2), 249–

250. https://doi.org/10.1128/jmbe.v15i2.804

Learning Chemistry. (2021, August 15). Methanol. Retrieved March 8, 2022, from

https://www.priyamstudycentre.com/2021/08/methanol.html

Methanol - Energy Education. (n.d.). Methanol. Retrieved March 8, 2022, from

https://energyeducation.ca/encyclopedia/Methanol

targetstudy.com. (n.d.). Methanol invented by Robert Boyle in year 1661. Target Study.

Retrieved March 8, 2022, from

https://targetstudy.com/knowledge/invention/35/methanol.html