Methane

Methane
IUPAC name	Methane (substitutive) Tetrahydridocarbon (additive)
Identifiers
CAS number	74-82-8
PubChem	297
EC number	200-812-7
KEGG	C01438
MeSH	Methane
ChEBI	CHEBI:16183
RTECS number	PA1490000
SMILES	C
Beilstein Reference	1718732
Gmelin Reference	59
3DMet	B01450
Properties
Molecular formula	CH4
Molar mass	16.04 g mol-1
Appearance	Colorless gas
Odor	Odorless
Density	655.6 μg mL−1
Melting point	-182 °C, 90.7 K, -296 °F
Boiling point	-164--160 °C, 109-113 K, -263--256 °F
Solubility in water	22.7 mg L−1
log P	1.09
kH	14 nmol Pa−1 kg−1
Structure
Molecular shape	Tetrahedral
Dipole moment	0 D
Thermochemistry
Std enthalpy of formation ΔfHo298	−74.87 kJ mol−1
Std enthalpy of combustion ΔcHo298	−891.1–−890.3 kJ mol−1
Standard molar entropy So298	186.25 J K−1 mol−1
Specific heat capacity, C	35.69 J K−1 mol−1
Hazards
EU classification	F+
EU Index	601-001-00-4
NFPA 704	4 1 0
Flash point	−188 °C
Autoignition temperature	537 °C
Explosive limits	5–15%
Related compounds
Related alkanes	Methyl iodide Diiodomethane Iodoform Carbon tetraiodide Ethane Ethyl iodide
Related compounds	Guanidine
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)

Methane is a hydrocarbon that is a gas at room temperature (20°C). Its molecular formula is CH₄, so it has one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms in a molecule. It is often found as the main part of natural gas. Methane is a greenhouse gas 22 times more effective than carbon dioxide. It is also less stable and slowly oxidates by oxygen to carbon dioxide and water.

Uses

Methane is used in gas taps in places such as chemistry classrooms, laboratories, etc. as it burns very easily because of its simple molecular structure.

Molecular structure

Methane's molecular structure is very simple. It is a single carbon atom surrounded by four hydrogen atoms.

Production

Methane can be produced by many chemical methods, but usually is found in natural gas and is obtained by fractional distillation, after it is become liquid.