Title:

Experiment 6
METHANE

Abstract:

This experiment focused on the production and characterization of methane gas,

examining its chemical and physical properties. Methane was synthesized by heating a
mixture of sodium acetate and soda lime (a combination of sodium hydroxide and
calcium oxide). The resultant methane was collected over water using a gas collection
system. Key physical properties observed included methane's colorless and odorless
nature, as well as its buoyancy, confirming it is lighter than air. Chemically, methane's
combustibility was demonstrated by its ignition, producing a blue flame indicative of
complete combustion. The experiment further tested methane's reactivity with oxygen,
highlighting its high flammability and potential as an energy source. Safety measures
were strictly followed due to the explosive potential of methane-air mixtures. This study
provided a comprehensive understanding of methane's properties and reinforced its
significance in energy applications.

Introduction:

Methane (CH₄) is the simplest hydrocarbon and a primary component of natural gas,
making it essential for global energy production. This experiment aims to synthesize
methane and study its physical and chemical properties. Methane can be produced in
the lab by heating sodium acetate with soda lime, generating a reliable supply of the gas.

Key physical properties of methane include its colorless, odorless nature, and its lower
density compared to air. Chemically, methane is highly combustible, burning with a blue
flame and producing carbon dioxide and water, making it a cleaner fuel compared to
other hydrocarbons.

Understanding these properties is crucial for the safe and efficient use of methane as an
energy source. This experiment provides insights into methane's practical applications,
safety considerations, and environmental significance, which are important for energy
engineering, environmental science, and industrial chemistry.

Methods and Materials:

Apparatus: Small test tube with cork (6), 30 mL hard glass test tube, one holed-rubber
stopper, delivery tube with rubber tubbing, test tube clamp, test tube holder, iron stand,
water trough, Bunsen burner, 400 mL beaker, glass rod, medicine dropper (6)

Chemicals: 3g anhydrous sodium acetate, 5g soda lime, litmus paper, 3mL lime water,
0.5 mL chlorine water, 0.5 mL alcoholic iodine, 0.5 mL KmNO4 solution

Set-up:

Discussion of Results:

After conducting the Methane experiment, we have observed that when anhydrous
acetate and soda lime are heated together, these are the physical characteristic traits: it
was colorless, odorless, and it has no solubility in water.

For chemical test:

I. Flammability and products of combustion
After igniting a test tube of methane gas and 3 mL of lime water then swirl. The outcome
was just a smoke coming out from a test tube. This is due to a contamination with water
in the test tube. Its chemical equation is: CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O.

II. Reaction with Chlorine

When methane gas (CH₄) is introduced to chlorine water (Cl₂ dissolved in water), a
substitution reaction occurs. Chlorine water is a mild oxidizing agent that can react with
methane to form chloromethane (CH₃Cl) and hydrochloric acid (HCl).
Upon adding the chlorine water to the methane gas and shaking the mixture, the reaction
proceeds, resulting in the formation of chloromethane and hydrochloric acid. The
solution may exhibit a color change or a noticeable odor due to the formation of
chloromethane. Additionally, the reaction flask may become warmer as it proceeds,
indicating an exothermic reaction.

The chemical equation for this reaction is: CH₄ + Cl₂ → CH₃Cl + HCl

III. Reaction with alcoholic iodine

When methane gas reacts with alcoholic iodine (iodine dissolved in alcohol), a
substitution reaction known as halogenation occurs. In this reaction, one or more
hydrogen atoms in methane are replaced by iodine atoms from the alcoholic iodine
solution. The general equation for this reaction is: CH₄ + I₂ → CH₃I + HI

This equation represents the substitution of one hydrogen atom in methane with an
iodine atom, forming methyl iodide (CH₃I) and hydrogen iodide (HI) as products.

When alcoholic iodine is added to methane gas and the mixture is shaken, the reaction
proceeds, resulting in the formation of methyl iodide and hydrogen iodide. The solution
may exhibit a color change, as iodine dissolves in alcohol to form a brownish-red
solution. Additionally, the reaction may generate heat, indicating an exothermic
reaction. Methyl iodide is a valuable intermediate in organic synthesis, while hydrogen
iodide is a strong acid.

IV. Reaction with KMnO₄

After adding 2 drops of KMnO₄ solution, stopper and shake, no reaction occurred, and
the color did not change at all because methane itself is typically unreactive with
KMnO₄ under normal conditions. In the presence of strong oxidizing conditions and high
temperatures, such as those provided by a flame or in a controlled laboratory setting,
it's theoretically possible for methane to react with KMnO₄. However, the reaction
would likely require harsh conditions and wouldn't proceed efficiently.

The chemical equation for this reaction is: CH₄ + KMnO₄ → no reaction

Conclusion:

The successful synthesis of methane (CH₄) through the reaction of sodium acetate with
soda lime validated a dependable laboratory method and revealed its key properties.
Methane, colorless, odorless, and less dense than air, demonstrated high
combustibility, yielding carbon dioxide and water upon ignition. This underscores its
role as a cleaner fuel, crucial for emissions reduction. However, the experiment
emphasized the necessity for stringent safety measures due to methane's flammability,
highlighting the importance of cautious handling. Furthermore, the study highlighted
methane's dual environmental significance as both a potent greenhouse gas and a
potential tool for mitigating environmental impacts through controlled utilization.
Overall, the experiment provided vital insights into methane's applications, safety
considerations, and environmental implications, underscoring its pivotal role in energy
production and environmental conservation.

References:

https://www.toppr.com/ask/question/give-the-various-methods-used-for-the-
preparation-of-alkanes-describe-with-labelled-diagram-the/