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Methane is a gas found mixed in natural gas and petroleum deposits. Methane is one member of the family of HGL (Hydrocarbon Gas Liquids).
What is Methane?
Methane is an organic compound that comprises carbon and hydrogen atoms. It is odourless and colourless gas. The other name for methane is carbon tetrahydride, Marsh gas, and natural gas. It is the first member of the saturated hydrocarbon. It is the simplest alkane. In saturated hydrocarbons, a single bond is present between carbon and carbon. Methane is the main constituent of natural gas. Methane is used as fuel for ovens and water heaters. Refined liquid methane is used as rocket fuel. This is also used to generate hydrogen gas on a large scale.
Chemical Formula of Methane
A methane molecule is a saturated hydrocarbon. It is the third member of the saturated hydrocarbon. In saturated hydrocarbons, a single bond is present between carbon and carbon. The general formula for saturated hydrocarbon is CnH2n+2 where C is the carbon, H is the hydrogen and n is an integer. It is composed of one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms. Thus, the chemical formula of Methane is CH4.
Structural Formula of Methane
Methane’s molecular mass is 16.043 grams per mole. The molecular mass of Methane is calculated by the sum of the atomic mass of all the carbon and hydrogen atoms present in the molecule. Methane consists of 1 carbon atom and 4 hydrogen atoms and all the carbon atoms are attached to each other by a single bond. Methane whose name is made up of combining two words i.e ‘Meth’ which shows the number of carbon that is present in the molecule is 1 and ‘ane’ tells about the saturated hydrocarbon.
Properties and Uses of Methane
Methane gas is less dense than air at room temperature. Its melting point is -1830 C and boiling point is -1640 C. Methane is a little insoluble in water. Methane is combustible, and mixtures of about 5% to 15% in the air are explosive. Methane is non-toxic when inhaled, but it can produce suffocation by reducing the concentration of oxygen inhaled. A tiny amount of pungent natural sulphur compounds is added to give commercial natural gas an identifiable odour. This is done to make gas leaks readily detectable. An undetected gas leak is dangerous and can result in an explosion; many are reported every year, causing lost lives and occasional spectacular property destruction.
