Methanol can be synthesized chemically or biochemically from methane gas. Over 30 million tons per year of methanol are produced worldwide [1]. Currently, chemical synthesis is the method of choice. Methanol is widely used as a solvent, in antifreeze, and as an intermediate in synthesis of more complex chemicals. Methanol is used as a fuel in Indy race cars and it has been blended into gasoline for civilian automobiles. Microorganisms capable of methanol production include Methylobacterium sp., Methylococcus capsulatus, and Methylosinus trichosporium.

A detailed interactive description of the chemical methanol reactor can be accessed at: http://www.methanex.com/education/methanol/english/main.html

The following are methanol pathway maps. For the biological pathway, organisms which carry out the pathway are given above, but other organisms may also carry out this biochemistry. Follow the links for more information on compounds or reactions.

[1] http://www.hpa.org.uk/chemicals/compendium/Methanol/ProductionUses.htm