Sciencemadness Discussion Board - Methanol

Methanol

Syn the Sizer - 25-2-2020 at 21:39

This may be a stupid question but I am going to ask it. Is it true that methanol cannot be found in 4L jugs in the U.S.? Rhodanide was saying that he can only find it in 200mL jugs of "Heat".

Deathunter88 - 26-2-2020 at 01:22

Quote: Originally posted by Syn the Sizer

This may be a stupid question but I am going to ask it. Is it true that methanol cannot be found in 4L jugs in the U.S.? Rhodanide was saying that he can only find it in 200mL jugs of "Heat".

Yes, although it is true you can't buy it in 4L metal cans like in Canada as "Methyl Hydrate", there are many other sources such as Heet, windshield concentrate, RC fuel available in stores and online from places like Amazon and Biodiesel companies. TL;DR it's not as obviously OTC, but its also not a big deal to get.

Texium - 26-2-2020 at 09:15

Some windshield washer fluids are composed of methanol and a dye, and could be separated by simple distillation. Finding one that is solely methanol can be tricky though, as there are many varieties sold, and many of them also contain ethanol, isopropanol, or other additives. The cheapest, most generic ones would have a better chance of being pure (besides the dye) methanol.

[Edited on 2-26-2020 by Texium (zts16)]

Amos - 26-2-2020 at 09:56

I get mine in 4L jugs from a chemical supply company in my city, you might try this vendor https://www.cleartech.ca/ or another one like it nearby. Mine comes $15 for technical grade (about 2 percent xylenes since it's recycled) or $30 for reagent.

Methanol in U.S.A.

MadHatter - 26-2-2020 at 11:03

www.dudadiesel.com

For members in the lower 48 states, this is a good company. I've
bought KNO₃ from them. They also have a presence on eBay
even though the prices are higher. I'm assuming built in HAZMAT
and shipping fees(Yes, the methanol is on eBay - $17.81 quart).

The CH₃OH sizes are 950ml(quart), 5 gallon, 55 gallon. $5.90
for the quart + HAZMAT + shipping I assume(their website).

Look over their chemical list. It includes items not normally OTC for
example:

Acetic Acid(glacial) 99.85+%
Nitric Acid 67.2%(price is a bit steep)
Sulfuric Acid 98%(higher % than Rooto drain cleaner)

Some other useful compounds as well. Overall one of the
best finds I've run across.

They're in Decatur, Alabama.

Morgan - 26-2-2020 at 11:50

I buy methanol from an auto parts store that sells to race car drivers. I usually buy 5 gallons at a time for about $25. 00.

[Edited on 26-2-2020 by Morgan]

Syn the Sizer - 26-2-2020 at 16:08

Quote: Originally posted by Deathunter88

I realize that's not extreme measure, but it still seems weird that its not easily bought. Its sold OTC here in Canada by the 4L jug everywhere, Canadian Tire, Rona, Home Depot... some gas stations. Run out of methanol head to the hardware store, Is there a reason its only sold in large quantities at specialty stores and not everywhere? Is Isopropanol available in 99% in pharmacies there?

Syn the Sizer - 26-2-2020 at 16:26

Quote: Originally posted by Amos

I get mine in 4L jugs from a chemical supply company in my city, you might try this vendor https://www.cleartech.ca/ or another one like it nearby. Mine comes $15 for technical grade (about 2 percent xylenes since it's recycled) or $30 for reagent.

This is what I have in my shed right now, a similar product 99.9% pure is $9.99CDN at my local Canadian Tire store, also I guess I exaggerated a bit, they are 3.78L.

Edit: I should have scaled the picture smaller

[Edited on 27-2-2020 by Syn the Sizer]

XeonTheMGPony - 8-3-2020 at 06:01

Quote: Originally posted by Amos

dam, 4L jug here of pure new Methanol is 11 dollars cad.