CH3OH + CuO → CH2O + Cu + H2O – Balanced equation

This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:

CuO is an oxidizing agent, CH₃OH is a reducing agent.

Reactants:

• CH₃OH – Methanol
  • Other names: Carbinol , Columbian spirits , Hydroxymethane
  • Appearance: Colorless liquid ; Colourless liquid with characteristic odour ; Colorless liquid with a characteristic pungent odor.
• CuO – Copper(II) oxide
  • Other names: Cupric oxide , Copper monoxide , Copper oxide
  • Appearance: Black to brown powder

Products:

• CH₂O – Formaldehyde , Methanal
  • Other names: Methyl aldehyde , Methylene glycol , Methylene oxide
  • Appearance: Colorless gas ; Colourless gas with pungent odour ; Colourless liquid with pungent odour ; Nearly colorless gas with a pungent, suffocating odor. [Note: Often used in an aqueous solution (see specific listing for Formalin).]
• Cu
  • Names: Copper , Copper (dusts and mists, as Cu) , Cu
  • Appearance: Solid in various forms. turns green on exposure to moist air ; Reddish, lustrous, malleable, odorless solid.
• H₂O – Water, oxidane
  • Other names: Water (H2O) , Hydrogen hydroxide (HH or HOH) , Hydrogen oxide
  • Appearance: White crystalline solid, almost colorless liquid with a hint of blue, colorless gas