A kinetic model of methanol synthesis is presented. All parameters in the model are estimated from gas-phase thermodynamics and !surface science studies. The rate-limiting step in the kinetic model was determined from Cu(100) single-crystal experiments Ito be the hydrogenation of H2COO star to methoxide and oxide. Calculated methanol rates from the model extrapolated to industrial working conditions were in good agreement with rates measured on a real catalyst.