Methane
[CAS# 74-82-8]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Hydrocarbon compounds and their derivatives >> Acyclic hydrocarbon
• Name: Methane
• Molecular Formula: CH₄
• Molecular Weight: 16.04
• CAS Registry Number: 74-82-8
• EC Number: 200-812-7
• SMILES: C

Properties

• Density: 0.716 g/mL (Expl.)
• Melting point: -183 $degree$C (Expl.)
• Boiling point: -164.0$+/-$7.0 $degree$C 760 mmHg (Calc.)^*, -161 $degree$C (Expl.)
• Flash point: -228.3$+/-$11.7 $degree$C (Calc.)^*, -187 $degree$C (Expl.)

^* Calculated using Advanced Chemistry Development (ACD/Labs) Software.

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS02;GHS04 DangerGHS02
• Risk Statements: H220
• Safety Statements: P203-P210-P222-P280-P377-P381-P403

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Flammable gases	Flam. Gas	1	H220
Gases under pressure (compressed)	Press. Gas (Comp.)		H280
Gases under pressure (refrigerated liquid)	Press. Gas (Ref. Liq.)		H281
Gases under pressure (liquid)	Press. Gas (Liq.)		H280

• Transport Information: UN 1971

Discovery and Applications

Methane is a simple hydrocarbon with the chemical formula CH₄, consisting of one carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms in a tetrahedral geometry. It is the primary component of natural gas and occurs naturally in the Earth’s atmosphere, in wetlands, and as a product of anaerobic decomposition of organic matter. Methane is colorless, odorless, and highly flammable, and it is a potent greenhouse gas due to its ability to trap heat in the atmosphere.

Methane was first isolated in the late 18th century from marsh gas, and its chemical structure was later elucidated in the 19th century. The molecule is characterized by strong C–H bonds, making it relatively stable under standard conditions but highly reactive under combustion or in the presence of certain catalysts. Its tetrahedral geometry leads to symmetrical charge distribution, which accounts for its non-polar nature and low solubility in water.

Methane’s primary application is as a fuel. It is burned to produce heat and electricity in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Methane combustion produces carbon dioxide and water, releasing significant amounts of energy per unit mass, which makes it an efficient energy source. It is also used as a feedstock for the production of hydrogen, methanol, and other chemicals through processes such as steam reforming and partial oxidation.

In the chemical industry, methane serves as a starting material for the synthesis of various organic compounds. It is converted into synthesis gas (a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen) and then used to produce ammonia, formaldehyde, and synthetic fuels. Methane can also undergo halogenation to form methyl halides, which are intermediates in pharmaceutical and agrochemical production.

Methane occurs naturally in fossil fuel deposits, such as coal beds and natural gas fields, and is also produced biologically by methanogenic microorganisms in wetlands, ruminant digestive systems, and landfills. Its role as a greenhouse gas has significant environmental implications, as methane has a higher global warming potential than carbon dioxide over short time periods. Consequently, controlling methane emissions is a focus in climate change mitigation efforts.

Overall, methane is a small but highly important hydrocarbon with applications in energy production, chemical synthesis, and industrial processes. Its chemical stability, flammability, and natural abundance make it both a valuable energy resource and a significant environmental factor.

References

2025. A Patent Landscape on Methane Oxidizing Bacteria (MOB) or Methanotrophs. Recent Patents on Biotechnology.
DOI: 10.2174/0118722083316359240915173125

2025. Rates of anaerobic oxidation of methane and metabolite production from a model landfill gas using an enriched fermentative microbial community. Journal of environmental sciences (China).
DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2024.11.023

2025. Freshwater macrophyte type (macroalgae versus phanerogams) mainly determines detritus-derived greenhouse gases production: A microcosm experiment. Journal of environmental sciences (China).
DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2024.12.011