Methanol (CH₃OH) – IMPCA / Grade AA Supply

Chemical Name: Methanol (Methyl Alcohol)
Chemical Formula: CH₃OH
CAS Number: 67-56-1
HS Code: 2905.11
UN Number: 1230 (Flammable Liquid, Class 3; subsidiary 6.1 Toxic; Packing Group II)
Also Known As: Methyl Alcohol, MeOH, Carbinol, Wood Spirit
Traded Standard: IMPCA Reference Specification / ASTM D1152 Grade AA (≥ 99.85% wt purity); IS 517 for Indian domestic users

Methanol is one of the most widely traded liquid chemicals in the world. It is a basic building block for formaldehyde, acetic acid, MTBE, methylamines and olefins, a common industrial solvent, and a growing fuel for marine engines and blending. India uses millions of tonnes of methanol each year, and most of it is imported by sea into west-coast ports. Domestic producers supply the rest.

Ametheus supplies IMPCA / Grade AA methanol on FOB, CFR/CIF and ex-tank terms to formaldehyde and resin plants, acetic acid and derivative producers, pharmaceutical and solvent users, and trade partners. We supply bulk parcels and ISO-tank containers from established producing regions. We work on a stem basis and do not sell retail.

Technical Specifications

Typical IMPCA / Grade AA limits. Final specification and Certificate of Analysis are confirmed on each stem.

Parameter Unit Typical Limit (IMPCA / Grade AA) Test Method
Purity (dry basis) % wt 99.85 min IMPCA 001
Appearance — Clear, free from suspended matter IMPCA 003
Water % wt 0.10 max ASTM E1064
Specific Gravity (20/20°C) — 0.7910 – 0.7930 ASTM D4052
Colour Pt-Co 5 max ASTM D1209
Distillation Range (760 mmHg) °C 1.0 max, incl. 64.6 ± 0.1 ASTM D1078
Permanganate Time (15°C) min 60 min ASTM D1363
Acetone mg/kg 30 max IMPCA 001
Ethanol mg/kg 50 max IMPCA 001
Acidity (as Acetic Acid) mg/kg 30 max ASTM D1613
Chloride (as Cl) mg/kg 0.5 max IMPCA 002
Sulphur mg/kg 0.5 max ASTM D5453
Iron (in solution) mg/kg 0.10 max ASTM E394
Non-Volatile Matter mg/1000 ml 8 max ASTM D1353
Carbonizable Substances Pt-Co 30 max ASTM E346
Hydrocarbons / Water Miscibility — Pass ASTM D1722

Physical notes: Molecular weight 32.04 g/mol. Boiling point ≈ 64.7°C. Freezing point ≈ −97.8°C. Flash point ≈ 11–12°C (closed cup). Explosive limits in air ≈ 6–36% v/v. Methanol mixes fully with water.

Key Applications

Chemical Derivatives (dominant use)

  • Formaldehyde for urea-, phenol- and melamine-formaldehyde resins (plywood, laminates, MDF)
  • Acetic acid, methyl methacrylate (MMA) and DMT
  • Methylamines, chloromethanes, dimethyl ether (DME) and pentaerythritol
  • Methanol-to-Olefins (MTO) for ethylene and propylene

Fuels & Energy

  • MTBE / TAME octane-enhancer production
  • Transesterification reagent for biodiesel (FAME)
  • Gasoline blending (e.g. M15 programmes) and methanol marine fuel

Solvents & Industrial

  • Solvent for paints, inks, adhesives, resins and dyes
  • Pharmaceutical and agrochemical intermediates and process solvent
  • Hydrate inhibitor in oil & gas pipelines; antifreeze and windshield-washer fluids
  • Denitrification in wastewater treatment

Packaging & Logistics

  • Bulk chemical tanker parcels (typically 2,000 – 20,000 MT) into coastal terminals
  • ISO tank containers (T11 / methanol-dedicated, ~20–24 MT net)
  • Road tankers ex-tank for domestic Indian deliveries (subject to licensing)
  • 200 L steel drums (~160 kg net) and 1,000 L IBCs for smaller lots, subject to availability

Load-port inspection is done by an independent surveyor (SGS, Intertek, Saybolt or similar). Before loading, the surveyor checks prior cargoes and carries out a wall-wash. For bulk stems, shore-tank and ship-tank samples are kept.

Storage & Handling

Methanol is highly flammable and toxic if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

  • Store in dedicated carbon-steel or stainless tanks. Use nitrogen blanketing where practical, and keep away from heat and ignition sources.
  • Ground and bond all transfers. Use spark-proof tools and explosion-proof equipment.
  • Methanol burns with an almost invisible flame. Fire detection should not rely on sight alone.
  • Use appropriate PPE: chemical-resistant gloves, goggles and, where needed, respiratory protection.
  • Domestic receipt and storage in India require the buyer’s statutory licences (e.g. PESO) and any applicable state permits.
  • Shipped as UN 1230, Class 3 (6.1), PG II under IMDG. Full SDS is available on request.

Commercial Terms

  • Incoterms 2020: FOB load port, CFR / CIF discharge port (e.g. Kandla, Hazira, JNPT), or ex-tank
  • Pricing: Fixed price or formula-linked to recognised benchmarks (e.g. Platts / ICIS CFR India), as agreed
  • Payment: LC or CAD against documents on first stems
  • Quality: Load-port and/or discharge inspection as agreed. COA, SDS and Certificate of Origin are provided.
  • Lots: From ISO-tank quantities up to bulk parcels, depending on origin and the discharge terminal

Why Ametheus

Inquiry

For current availability, origin, grade, quantity and delivery window, contact the commodities desk with:

  • Product & grade (IMPCA / Grade AA, IS 517 or your plant specification)
  • Quantity (per lift and annual volume)
  • Load or discharge port / delivery location
  • Delivery window
  • Preferred Incoterm and packaging (bulk, ISO tank, drums)

Commodities desk
Ametheus Holdings Pvt Ltd
[email protected] | [email protected]
New buyers: please complete the Preliminary KYC form or contact us.

We respond on live stems.

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