metanu

Metanu (methane), chemical formula CH4, is the simplest hydrocarbon and a major constituent of natural gas. It is a colorless, odorless gas at room temperature and pressure, with an odorant often added for leak detection in gas supplies. Methane is highly flammable and forms explosive mixtures with air at certain concentrations.

Molecularly, methane is a tetrahedral molecule in which a single carbon atom is bonded to four hydrogen atoms. The carbon is sp3-hybridized, giving methane a relatively small, stable structure. Its boiling point is −161.5 °C and its melting point is −182.5 °C, so it is gaseous under standard ambient conditions.

Occurrence and formation: Methane is produced both biologically and geologically. It forms during anaerobic decomposition by methanogenic archaea and is released from coal seams, oil and natural gas reservoirs, and microbial activity in wetlands and enteric fermentation in ruminant animals. In the atmosphere, methane is a potent greenhouse gas with significant impact on climate, though present in far lower concentrations than carbon dioxide.

Industrial significance and uses: Methane is a primary energy source, used for electricity generation, heating, and cooking. It also serves as a feedstock for chemical synthesis, including hydrogen production via steam reforming and the manufacture of methanol and ammonia. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) are common forms for transport and storage.

Environmental considerations: Methane has a global warming potential higher than CO2 over shorter timeframes and an atmospheric lifetime of about a decade. Reducing methane leaks and capturing fugitive emissions are important measures in mitigating its climate impact while maintaining its role in energy systems.