Question

Methanol is industrially prepared by

• A. oxidation of $CH_4$ by steam at $900^\circ$
• B. reduction of HCHO using $LiAIH_4$
• C. reaction of HCHO with a solution of NaOH
• D. reduction of CO using $H_2$ and $ZnO-Cr_2O_3$

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Methanol is prepared commercially from water gas which is a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. In this method, water gas is mixed with 
its half volume of hydrogen and is passed over heated \(Cr_2 O_3 - Z n O\) catalyst at 673 K under high pressure. 
\(\, \, \, \, CO+2H_2 \xrightarrow[673\, K\, high\, pressure]{Cr_2O_3-ZnO} CH_3OH\)

Methanol (CH₃OH), also known as methyl alcohol, wood alcohol, or wood spirit, is the most basic of a long sequence of organic compounds known as alcohols. It is made up of a methyl group (CH₃)connected to a hydroxyl group (OH). Previously, methanol was obtained through the destructive distillation of wood.