Question

Give three uses of methane.

Answer 1

1. Methane is a source of carbon monoxide and hydrogen.
2. It is used in the preparation of useful compounds like ethyne (acetylene), methanal (formaldehyde), methanol, chloromethane and tetrachloromethane (carbon tetrachloride). Earlier trichloromethane or chloroform, was used for anaesthesia. Since its higher dose can kill a person, therefore, now-a-days Halothane (CF₃CHBrCl) is used for anaesthetic purposes.
3. It is employed as a domestic fuel.