What Do You Know About Methane Gas And How It Is Prepared?

Methane is the major component of natural gas which is found along with petroleum deposits. Methane is also the major constituent of marsh gas. Bubbles of marsh gas are seen in the surface of swamps and marshy places where vegetation is decaying in the absence of oxygen under water. Methane is also found in coal mines where it is known as fire damp because it explodes easily. In rice fields methane is also produced where water is stagnant.

In laboratory methane can be prepared by boiling aluminium carbide with water. By  the decarboxylation of sodium teammate. Methane produced is collected over water because it is insoluble in water. Methane is colourless gas. It has no smell and it is tasteless gas. It is lighter than air. It is very slightly soluble in water and moderately soluble in alcohol and ether. It melts at -183°C and boils at -162°C. it is neutral in character. It is not affected by acids, alkalies and by strong oxidizing agents like sulphuric acid, potassium permanganate, etc. Methane burns in air or oxygen with a non luminous flame forming carbon dioxide and water with release of heat energy.

Methane is used as illuminant and domestic and industrial fuel in the form of natural gas. It is used in the preparation of carbon black which is used as a filter in rubber. Methane is used in the preparation of many organic compounds like methyl chloride, chloroform, methyl alcohol, formaldehyde etc.