Methane is a
chemical compound with the molecular formula . It is the simplest
alkane, and the principal component of
natural gas. Methane's bond angles are 109.5 degrees.
Burning one
molecule of methane in the presence of
oxygen releases one molecule of (
carbon dioxide) and two molecules of : Methane's relative abundance and clean burning process makes it a very attractive
fuel. However, because it is a gas (at normal temperature and pressure - see,
STP) and not a liquid or solid, methane is difficult to transport from the areas that produce it to the areas that consume it. Converting methane to derivatives that are more easily transported, such as
methanol, is an active area of research. Certain
microorganisms can effect this selective oxidation using enzymes called
methane monooxygenases.
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