Carbon tetrahydride, also known as methane, is a colorless, odorless, flammable gas with the chemical formula CH4. It is the main component of natural gas and is used as a fuel source and as a raw material in many industrial processes.
| IUPAC Name | Methane |
| Molecular Formula | CH4 |
| CAS Number | 74-82-8 |
| Synonyms | Marsh gas, CH4 |
| InChI | InChI=1S/CH4/h1H4 |
Carbon Tetrahydride Properties
Carbon Tetrahydride Formula
Carbon tetrahydride chemical formula is CH4, a colorless, odorless gas that is the main component of natural gas.
Carbon Tetrahydride Molar Mass
The molar mass of methane is 16.04 g/mol. This is the mass of one mole of methane molecules and is used to calculate the number of molecules in a given mass of the substance.
Carbon Tetrahydride Boiling Point
The boiling point of methane is -162°C. This means that at this temperature, the vapor pressure of methane is equal to the atmospheric pressure and the liquid begins to boil.
Carbon Tetrahydride Melting Point
The melting point of methane is -182.5°C. This is the temperature at which the solid form of methane transforms into a liquid.
Carbon Tetrahydride Density g/mL
The density of methane at standard temperature and pressure is 0.717 g/mL. This means that a volume of one milliliter of methane has a mass of 0.717 grams.
Carbon Tetrahydride Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of methane is 16.04 g/mol, which is the sum of the atomic weights of the four hydrogen atoms and one carbon atom in the methane molecule.
Carbon Tetrahydride Structure
Methane has a tetrahedral molecular structure, with the carbon atom at the center and the four hydrogen atoms attached to it. The bond angles in methane are 109.5°, and the bond lengths are approximately 1.09 Å. The molecule is nonpolar, meaning it has no permanent electric dipole moment, due to its symmetrical structure. Methane is a gas at standard temperature and pressure and is used as a fuel source and as a raw material in many industrial processes.
| Appearance | Colorless gas |
| Specific Gravity | 0.554 (air = 1) |
| Color | Colorless |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 16.04 g/mol |
| Density | 0.717 g/mL at standard temperature and pressure |
| Melting Point | -182.5°C |
| Boiling Point | -162°C |
| Flash Point | N/A |
| Water Solubility | 1.15 g/L |
| Solubility | Soluble in organic solvents |
| Vapor Pressure | N/A |
| Vapor Density | 0.554 (air = 1) |
| pKa | N/A |
| pH | N/A |
Carbon Tetrahydride Safety and Hazards
Carbon tetrahydride (methane) is a flammable gas that can ignite or explode if it is exposed to an ignition source. In confined spaces, methane can displace oxygen and cause asphyxiation. Methane is also a potent greenhouse gas, contributing to climate change. When handling methane, it is important to take proper safety precautions and follow local regulations and industry standards.
| Hazard Symbols | Flam. Gas |
| Safety Description | 2/2/2 |
| UN IDs | UN1956 |
| HS Code | 2709.00.90 |
| Hazard Class | 2.1 |
| Packing Group | N/A |
| Toxicity | Inhaling high concentrations of methane can cause asphyxiation and displace oxygen in confined spaces. |
Carbon Tetrahydride Synthesis Methods
Carbon tetrahydride (methane) can be synthesized through several methods, including biological, chemical, and thermochemical methods. The most common method of synthesis is through the biological process of methanogenesis, which involves microorganisms such as methanogenic archaea and bacteria producing methane as a byproduct of their metabolism. In the chemical process, methane can be produced by reacting carbon dioxide with hydrogen gas in the presence of a catalyst. Additionally, methane can be produced from coal or natural gas through thermochemical processes, such as gasification or pyrolysis. These methods involve heating the fuel source to high temperatures in the absence of oxygen, producing a mixture of gases, including methane, that can be separated and purified for use.
Carbon Tetrahydride Uses
Carbon tetrahydride (methane) is a versatile and widely used energy source, with applications in various industries including electricity generation, heating, transportation, and agriculture. It is a major component of natural gas and is used as a fuel for heating homes and cooking food. In the power generation industry, methane is burned to produce steam, which powers turbines to generate electricity. In the transportation sector, it is used as fuel for vehicles and marine transport. Methane is also used as a raw material in the production of chemicals, such as methanol and hydrogen, and is used in the refrigeration industry as a refrigerant gas. Additionally, methane is used in agriculture as a fuel for irrigation pumps and in animal husbandry for heating barns, and as a source of energy for animal feed.