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Chemistry
Methane is a simple organic chemical compound with molecules composed of one carbon and four hydrogens, which gives it the chemical formula CH4. The single carbon is located centrally, with the four hydrogens bonded to it and arranged around it in a tetrahedral shape. It is produced naturally by several different processes on Earth, and is a colorless, odorless gas at room temperature. The "rotten egg" smell associated with methane gas sold commercially is due to the addition of sulfur-based warning chemicals.
Properties
Methane both melts and boils at extremely low temperatures. Its melting point is -297 degrees Fahrenheit and its boiling point is -263 degrees F. Methane is a relatively light gas with a molecular weight of 16 grams per mole. It is highly flammable. Its flammability limits in air are between 5 and 15 percent by volume and it has an autoignition temperature of 595 degrees F. It's density under normal conditions as a gas is about half that of air.
Synthesis
Methane gas is made commercially by several processes, including the reaction of hydrogen with several simple carbon-based chemicals as well as by distillation of specific types of coal. Methane is also produced by a wide variety of natural processes. These include the aneorobic decomposition of vegetable matter in swamps and landfills, rice cultivation, termite activity and the digestive processes of cows and other animals. Methane is also drawn from underground pockets as a component of natural gas.
Applications
The chief use of methane is as a fuel, since it burns readily with a high degree of heat release. About three quarters of natural gas is methane. The chemical industry also makes use of methane as a raw ingredient in the synthesis of several other chemicals, including methanol and formaldehyde. In addition, methane has a variety of specialized applications in various areas of science, such as for the detection of radiation in Geiger counters.