Methane

Methane (CH₄) is the simplest alkane, a colorless, odorless gas and the main component of natural gas. It is also a potent greenhouse gas.

Molecular geometry: The three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in a molecule. Methane’s four hydrogen atoms form a tetrahedron around its carbon atom.
Natural gas: A naturally occurring mixture of gaseous hydrocarbons, usually composed mostly of methane. Methane is the main constituent of the fuel sold as natural gas.
Methanogenesis: The biological production of methane by certain microorganisms under oxygen-free conditions. It generates methane in wetlands, animal digestive systems, and landfills.
Ethane: The two-carbon alkane with formula C₂H₆, commonly present in natural gas. Adding one carbon atom makes ethane methane’s nearest alkane neighbor.
Combustion: A chemical reaction in which a fuel reacts rapidly with an oxidant, releasing heat and often light. Burning methane with oxygen produces carbon dioxide, water, and energy.
Steam reforming: An industrial process that reacts hydrocarbons with steam to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide. It is the dominant industrial route for making hydrogen from methane.
Methanogen: An archaeon that produces methane as part of its energy metabolism. Methanogens are the organisms responsible for biological methane formation.
Propane: The three-carbon alkane with formula C₃H₈, used as a fuel and chemical feedstock. Its larger molecules liquefy more readily than methane at ordinary pressures.
Methane pyrolysis: The thermal decomposition of methane into hydrogen gas and solid carbon. This route converts methane without directly forming carbon dioxide at the reaction site.
Ammonia: A nitrogen-and-hydrogen compound used chiefly to make fertilizers and industrial chemicals. Methane-derived hydrogen commonly supplies the hydrogen needed for ammonia production.

Linked from 58 pages