Methane (CH4)
A reducing compound, methane is plentiful in hydrogen-rich environments such as the outer planets and their satellites.
Melting Point (at 101 kPa): 90.7 K
Vapor pressure of Solid at Melting Point: 9.38 kPa
Triple Point: 90.7 K at 11.7 kPa
Critical Temperature: 190.6 K
Critical Pressure: 4.67 MPa
Liquid Density at Boiling Point: 424 kg/m3
Reactivity Table. Only reactions exoergic at normal temperatures(<300 K) considered.
|
Rxn with: |
H2O |
O2 |
CH4 |
NH3 |
H2S |
HF |
HCl |
H2 |
N2 |
|
Possible: |
N |
Y |
N/A |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
|
Rxn with: |
C |
CO2 |
Fe |
FeS |
MgSiO3 |
SiO2 |
NaCl |
CaSO4 |
Al2O3 |
|
Possible: |
N |
Y |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
Abundance in the Solar System:
|
Body: |
The Moon |
Mars |
Venus |
Asteroids |
Jup/Saturn |
|
Presence: |
None |
None |
Uncertain |
On some |
Common |
|
Body: |
Ganymede |
Europa |
Titan |
Ur/Neptune |
Triton |
|
Presence: |
Common |
Common |
V Common |
Common |
Common |
Uses:
Fuel/propellant
Feedstock for manufacture of organic chemicals
Likely Sources:
Native on outer planets/satellites
CO2
Likely Methods of Preparation:
Sabatier methanation of CO2 using H2
For more information see the Air Liquide site. Last updated 8th April 2003.
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