| Formula / Notation | CH4 |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 74-82-8 |
| Molecular Weight | 16.043 |
| Melting Point | -296 °F (USCG, 1999) |
| Boiling Point | -258 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999) |
| Density | 0.415 to 0.45 at -259.6 °F (USCG, 1999) |
| Solubility | 3.5 mL/100 mL at 63 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Appearance | Methane is a colorless odorless gas. It is also known as marsh gas or methyl hydride. It is easily ignited. The vapors are lighter than air. Under prolonged exposure to fire or intense heat the con... |
| Also Known As | Marsh gas; Methyl hydride; Fire Damp; Biogas; 74-82-8; R 50 (refrigerant); methan; metano; tetrahydridocarbon; HSDB 167 |
| Category | Organic Compounds |
What is Methane?
Methane is a one-carbon compound in which the carbon is attached by single bonds to four hydrogen atoms. It is a colourless, odourless, non-toxic but flammable gas (b.p. 161C). It has a role as a fossil fuel, a member of greenhouse gas and a bacterial metabolite. It is a gas molecular entity, an alkane, a mononuclear parent hydride and a one-carbon compound. It is a conjugate acid of a methanide.
Formula & Notation
IUPAC Name: methane
Other Names / Synonyms: Marsh gas; Methyl hydride; Fire Damp; Biogas; 74-82-8; R 50 (refrigerant); methan; metano; tetrahydridocarbon; HSDB 167
Properties & Characteristics
Physical Data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | -296 °F (USCG, 1999) |
| Boiling Point | -258 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999) |
| Density | 0.415 to 0.45 at -259.6 °F (USCG, 1999) |
| Molecular Weight | 16.043 |
| Solubility | 3.5 mL/100 mL at 63 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Appearance | Methane is a colorless odorless gas. It is also known as marsh gas or methyl hydride. It is easily ignited. The vapors are lighter than air. Under prolonged exposure to fire or intense heat the con... |
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Methane is a one-carbon compound in which the carbon is attached by single bonds to four hydrogen atoms. It is a colourless, odourless, non-toxic but flammable gas (b.p. 161C). It has a role as a fossil fuel, a member of greenhouse gas and a bacterial metabolite. It is a gas molecular entity, an alkane, a mononuclear parent hydride and a one-carbon compound. It is a conjugate acid of a methanide.
Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.
Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.
The formula or notation for Methane is: CH4