Answer to Question #153896 in Organic Chemistry for judth

Question

Give two reasons why methanol, synthesised from carbon dioxide and hydrogen, may not be a completely carbon-neutral fuel.

Answer 1

Carbon-neutral fuel is energy fuel or energy systems which have no net greenhouse gas emissions or carbon footprint.

Methanol is more corrosive and toxic than traditional fuels, requiring automobile modifications costing large amounts to use it. And although it is possible to convert methanol into gasoline, jet fuel or other hydrocarbons, but that requires additional energy and more complex production facilities.

Methanol has a very low energy density causing a high carbon emission to energy produced.