Definition: Methanal, also known as methanol, is a chemical compound that is used in the production of methamphetamine. It is produced by breaking down a natural substance called methylenedioxyacetic acid (MDA) with the reaction: \[ \text{CH}_2\text{OH} + \text{O}_2 \rightarrow \text{CO}_2 + \text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{Methanal} \]