Drinking methanol can cause blindness in humans, as well as a severe acidosis that may be life threatening. Methanol is toxic because it is converted in the liver to formaldehyde and formic acid by the enzymes alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase. Methanol poisoning is treated with dialysis and infusions of bicarbonate and ethanol. Explain why each treatment is used.

Organic Chemistry
8th Edition
ISBN:9781305580350
Author:William H. Brown, Brent L. Iverson, Eric Anslyn, Christopher S. Foote
Publisher:William H. Brown, Brent L. Iverson, Eric Anslyn, Christopher S. Foote
Chapter25: Carbohydrates
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Problem 25.44P: Digitalis is a preparation made from the dried seeds and leaves of the purple foxglove, Digitalis...
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Drinking methanol can cause blindness in humans, as well as a severe acidosis that may be life
threatening. Methanol is toxic because it is converted in the liver to formaldehyde and formic acid
by the enzymes alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase. Methanol poisoning is
treated with dialysis and infusions of bicarbonate and ethanol. Explain why each treatment is used.

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