Today methanol is chemically produced by catalytic hydrogenation of carbon monoxide at high pressure and temperature and in presence of Cu, Zn, Cr2O3 catalyst.
Methanol, a colourless liquid, is highly poisonous nature. Small quantities of methanol when ingestedcause blindness and large quantities can cause death.
Methanol is used as a solvent in paints and varnishes. It is used to make formaldehyde which is used to preserve biological specimens and for making synthetic resins.