Carbon Tetrahydride
Carbon tetrahydride, also known as methane, is a colorless, odorless, flammable gas with the chemical formula CH4. It is the simplest alkane and the main constituent of natural gas.
Properties
Methane is a nonpolar gas with a molecular weight of 16.04 g/mol. It has a melting point of -182.5 °C and a boiling point of -161.6 °C. Methane is soluble in water to the extent of 0.0018 g/L at 25 °C.
Structure
Methane is a tetrahedral molecule with a carbon atom at the center and four hydrogen atoms arranged around it. The carbon-hydrogen bonds are covalent bonds with a bond length of 1.09 Å.
Production
Methane is produced naturally by the decomposition of organic matter in the absence of oxygen. It is also produced artificially by the following methods:
- Natural gas production: Methane is the main constituent of natural gas, which is produced from the decomposition of organic matter under high pressure and temperature.
- Petroleum refining: Methane is produced as a byproduct of petroleum refining.
- Biogas production: Methane is produced by the anaerobic digestion of organic matter, such as manure, food waste, and sewage sludge.
Applications
Methane is used in a variety of applications, including:
- Fuel: Methane is a clean-burning fuel that can be used to generate electricity, heat homes and businesses, and power vehicles.
- Chemical feedstock: Methane is used to produce a variety of chemicals, including methanol, ammonia, and plastics.
- Refrigerant: Methane is used as a refrigerant in some applications.
Questions and Answers
What is the chemical formula for carbon tetrahydride?
The chemical formula for carbon tetrahydride is CH4.
What is the molecular weight of carbon tetrahydride?
The molecular weight of carbon tetrahydride is 16.04 g/mol.
What is the melting point of carbon tetrahydride?
The melting point of carbon tetrahydride is -182.5 °C.
What is the boiling point of carbon tetrahydride?
The boiling point of carbon tetrahydride is -161.6 °C.
Is carbon tetrahydride soluble in water?
Yes, carbon tetrahydride is soluble in water to the extent of 0.0018 g/L at 25 °C.
What is the structure of carbon tetrahydride?
Methane is a tetrahedral molecule with a carbon atom at the center and four hydrogen atoms arranged around it. The carbon-hydrogen bonds are covalent bonds with a bond length of 1.09 Å.
How is carbon tetrahydride produced?
Methane is produced naturally by the decomposition of organic matter in the absence of oxygen. It is also produced artificially by the following methods:
- Natural gas production: Methane is the main constituent of natural gas, which is produced from the decomposition of organic matter under high pressure and temperature.
- Petroleum refining: Methane is produced as a byproduct of petroleum refining.
- Biogas production: Methane is produced by the anaerobic digestion of organic matter, such as manure, food waste, and sewage sludge.
What are the applications of carbon tetrahydride?
Methane is used in a variety of applications, including:
- Fuel: Methane is a clean-burning fuel that can be used to generate electricity, heat homes and businesses, and power vehicles.
- Chemical feedstock: Methane is used to produce a variety of chemicals, including methanol, ammonia, and plastics.
- Refrigerant: Methane is used as a refrigerant in some applications.
Is carbon tetrahydride toxic?
In its pure form, methane is not toxic. However, it can be hazardous if inhaled in high concentrations. Methane is also a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.
