Methyl alcohol, commonly known as methanol, is referred to as wood alcohol because it was originally produced through the destructive distillation of wood. In the past, when wood was heated in the absence of air, it decomposed into various chemicals, including methanol, which was one of the primary byproducts. This historical method of production gave rise to the nickname ‘wood alcohol’.
On the other hand, ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, is called grain alcohol because it is primarily produced through the fermentation of grains. This process involves the conversion of sugars in cereal grains, such as barley, corn, and wheat, into alcohol by yeast. Since grains are the primary source for the production of ethanol, it is termed ‘grain alcohol’.
In summary, the names reflect the original sources from which these alcohols were derived: methanol from wood and ethanol from grains.