I`m just trying to find a easy way to find a source of methanol for a biodiesel project. On the same note could common caustic soda be used for the same job as chemical grade NaOH.
2007-01-30 04:51:44 · 2 answers · asked by strange_bike 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
well you can buy methanol. It is used for emergency starting of big diesel engines. Most of the "engine starting" products are just methanol.
Can't anser about caustic soda.
Any of these type of questions re. Chemical supplies is bound to attract the attention of the security services, incidentally.
2007-01-30 05:00:29 · answer #1 · answered by Not Ecky Boy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Methylated spirits is mainly ethanol, with only a bit of methanol in order to make it very toxic.
By far a better source of methanol is wood - heat wood in the absence of air, and condense the vapour given off. Look up "destructive distillation of wood" and you will find out all about it.
Common caustic soda is NaOH, yes. Why pay extra?
2007-01-30 13:01:31 · answer #2 · answered by Gervald F 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋