Question

How to obtain methanol from carbon monoxide using one of the five chemicals: $ {{H}_{2}},{{H}_{2}}O,{{C}_{2}}{{H}_{4}},{{C}_{2}}{{H}_{5}}OH, $ or $ C{{H}_{4}} $ ?

Answer 1

Hint: We know that Methanol is also called wood spirit and is widely available and used in lots of products such as plastics, paint, fuel, etc. It was originally obtained by the destructive distillation of wood. The chemical formula of methanol is $ C{{H}_{3}}OH. $

Complete answer:
Nowadays methanol is commercially prepared by the catalytic hydrogenation of carbon monoxide or water gas. In this process, a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen is passed over a catalyst consisting of an oxide of chromium, zinc, and copper at $ 573-673K $ and under $ 200- $ atmosphere pressure to form methanol.
Syngas" (synthesis gas) is a mix of $ {{H}_{2~}} $ and $ CO $ often made from heavy organic residues left after petroleum refining. It is then used to make methanol and the chemical reaction is given by:

 $ CO+2{{H}_{2}}\xrightarrow[573-673k(200-300atm)]{CuO-ZnO-C{{r}_{2}}{{O}_{3}}}C{{H}_{3}}OH $

The starting material, i.e. $ {{H}_{2~}} $ and $ CO $ are obtained either from water gas or by partial oxidation of methane
There are various uses of methanol including: It is used as a solvent for paints, varnishes, and celluloid, etc. It is used to manufacture formaldehyde which is used as a preservative for the biological specimen. It is also used for denaturing ethyl alcohol .i.e. to make it unfit for drinking purposes. Denatured alcohol is known as methylated alcohol. It is used as antifreeze for automobile radiators. It is used for the manufacture of perfumes, drugs, and varnishes.

Note:
Remember that it is highly poisonous and drinking of methanol even in small quantities causes blindness and large quantities may cause death. It is a colorless liquid. It gives all general reactions to alcohol.