First, structural differences.

1. Methanol is the simplest saturated monohydric alcohol.

2. Ethylene glycol is the simplest diol.

Second, the differences in chemical properties.

1. Methanol is a colorless and volatile liquid with an alcohol smell. Used to make formaldehyde, pesticides, etc. Used as extractant of organic matter and denaturant of alcohol. It is usually produced by the reaction of carbon monoxide and hydrogen.

2. Ethylene glycol is a colorless, tasteless and sweet liquid. Ethylene glycol is miscible with water and acetone, but its solubility in ether is very small. Used as solvent, antifreeze and raw material for synthetic polyester. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a polymer of ethylene glycol, a phase transfer catalyst and also used for cell fusion. Its nitrate ester is an explosive.

Third, the difference in use.

1. Use of methanol:

Methanol is a widely used basic organic chemical raw material and high-quality fuel. Mainly used in fine chemicals, plastics and other fields, used to manufacture various organic products such as formaldehyde, acetic acid, methyl chloride, methylamine and dimethyl sulfide. It is also one of the important raw materials for pesticides and medicine. After deep processing, methanol can be used as a new clean fuel or mixed with gasoline. Methanol reacts with ammonia to produce monomethylamine.