but then, I've come to expect that sort of inaccuracy from you. Methanol is a type of alcohol, commonly called "wood alcohol" although it can be made from other things besides wood. Chemically, methanol is CH3OH, while ethanol is C2H5OH.

According to my old college chemistry book, "Methanol (methyl alcohol) is produced commercially from either carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide.

CO + 2H2 -------> CH3OH (with a silver or copper catalyst)

CO2 +3H2 ------> CH3OH + H2O

Methanol is a colorless liquid, boiling at 65 degrees C. In odor and taste it is similar to ethyl alcohol. Methanol is very poisonous, however; intoxication, blindness, and death may result when its vapors are breathed in quantities or when the liquid is taken internally.

Ethanol (ethyl alcohol), C2H5OH, is the most important of the alcohols. It is also known as grain alcohol or simply as alcohol. It has long been prepared from starch, cellulose, and sugars of certain plants by the process of fermentation.

C6H12O6 ------> 2C2H5OH + 2CO2 (g)
(glucose) enymes"

College Chemistry With Qualitative Analysis, 6th edition
Nebergall, Holzclaw, and Robinson
D.C. Heath and Company
Copyright 1980