Ross,
I don't know why methanol is not a good preservative (perhaps it doesn't
denature proteins as well as does ethanol), but I hope you realize that it
is quite a bit more toxic than ethanol. It could cause poisoning from
ingestion, inhalation or absorption thru the skin. If you are experimenting
with it exercise caution.

Aydin

>-----Original Message-----
>From: Ross Mayhew [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
>Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2001 9:17 PM
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Methanol as a presevative
>
>
>I have noticed methanol doesn't seem to work very well as a
>preservative
>agent, compared to ethanol or propanol.  Does anyone know why??
>
>From the land of Indian Summer,
>Ross.
>