Methoxymethanol is a chemical compound which is both an ether and an alcohol, a hemiformal.[1] The structural formula can be written as CH3OCH2OH. It has been discovered in space.[2]
Methoxymethanol forms spontaneously when a water solution of formaldehyde and methanol are mixed.[3][1] or when formaldehyde is bubbled through methanol.[4]
In space methoxymethanol can form when methanol radicals (CH2OH or CH3O) react. These are radiolysis products derived when ultraviolet light or cosmic rays hit frozen methanol.[3]
Methanol can react with carbon dioxide and hydrogen at 80°C and some pressure with a ruthenium or cobalt catalyst, to yield some methoxymethanol.[5]
Different conformations of the molecule are Gauche-gauce (Gg), Gauche-gauce' (Gg'), and Trans-gauche (Tg).[6]