Methanol

Methanol molecule

Methanol, CH₃OH, is the simplest alcohol. It is commonly used as a building block for other chemicals, such as formaldehyde, acetic acid, and dimethyl ether. Like ethanol and other alcohols, methanol is toxic and highly flammable.

Methanol is a liquid carbohydrate, thus capable of storing large amounts of energy. In a settlement on Mars it has the potential to play a central part of energy management. Additionally, it can be used as a resource for making other carbohydrates, to feed methanotrophs or to produce synthetic materials.

In Situ Production

Methanol can be produced on Mars from CO and H₂ (Syngas)

CO and H₂ can be produced from methane and water:

CH₄ + H₂O → CO + 3 H₂

CO can also be produced from CO₂ via high temperature electrolysis in a MOXIE or chemically using the Bosch reaction:

CO₂ + H₂ → H₂O + CO

H₂ is obtained from the splitting of water:

2H₂O → 2H₂ + O₂

Synthesis of methanol:

CO + 2 H₂ → CH₃OH (Copper-based catalyst at 200–300°C and 3.5–10 MPa, )

Uses

Methanol can be used to produce a large number of hydrocarbons and other chemicals.

When combined with methane it is a possible precursor for aromatic hydrocarbons such as ethane and toluene.