The smell of methanol is considered bitter and spicy, but it will soon be recognized because methanol can irritate eyes and throat. In addition, if exposed to high concentration of methanol, it may cause symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting and unconsciousness.
These special properties of methanol are due to the internal composition of its molecular structure. Methanol contains a hydroxyl group and a methyl group in its molecule, so it has both chemical properties similar to alcohol and properties similar to ketone. These chemical characteristics make methanol widely used in many chemical reactions, especially in the manufacture of important chemical products, such as chemicals and cellulose ethers.
In a word, the smell of methanol can be described as a fresh taste similar to that of alcohol. However, considering its highly toxic characteristics, we should be extra careful when using methanol, and ensure complete ventilation and protection as much as possible to avoid harm to human body.