Methane
From the Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia that anyone can change
| Hydrocarbon - Methane | |
| Molecular Formula | CH4 |
|---|---|
| Series (Family) - Alkanes | |
| Previous | |
| Next | Ethane |
| Physical Properties | |
| Melting Point | -182.5 °C, 91 K, -297 °F |
| Boiling Point | -161.6 °C, 112 K, -259 °F |
Methane is a hydrocarbon that is a gas at room temperature (20oC). 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.
[change] Uses
Methane is used in gas taps in places such as chemistry classrooms, laboratories, etc. as it burns very easily because of it's simple molecular structure.
[change] Molecular structure
Methane's molecular structure is very simple. It is a single carbon atom surrounded by four hydrogen atoms.
[change] Production
Methane cannot be produced. It is found in crude oil and is obtained by fractional distillation.
