Incomplete Combustion of Methane

2CH4 + 3O2 → 2CO + 4H2O

Descripción general

When methane burns in insufficient oxygen, carbon monoxide forms instead of carbon dioxide. This incomplete combustion is dangerous because CO is a toxic, odorless gas. Poorly ventilated gas appliances can produce CO, leading to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Participantes

Rol Sustancia Coeficiente Estado
Reactivo Methane CH₄ 2 (g)
Reactivo Oxygen O 3 (g)
Producto Carbon Monoxide CO 2 (g)
Producto Water H₂O 4 (l)

Ejemplo cotidiano

Carbon monoxide detectors in homes protect against this reaction occurring in gas furnaces, water heaters, and stoves with poor ventilation.

Importancia industrial

El reformado con vapor del metano (combustión incompleta controlada) es el principal método industrial para la producción de hidrógeno, con más de 50 millones de toneladas de H₂ al año.

Propiedades

Tipo
Combustion
Reversible
No
Energía
Exotérmico
ΔH
-1214,0 kJ/mol

Reacciones relacionadas

Combustion of Carbon Monoxide Combustion of Ethane Combustion of Ethylene Combustion of Glycerol Combustion of Methanol Combustion of Propane Combustion of Ethanol Combustion of Phenol Combustion of Naphthalene Combustion of Benzene

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Incomplete Combustion of Methane?
The balanced equation is: 2CH₄ + 3O₂ → 2CO + 4H₂O.
What type of reaction is Incomplete Combustion of Methane?
Incomplete Combustion of Methane is a combustion reaction.
Is Incomplete Combustion of Methane exothermic or endothermic?
Incomplete Combustion of Methane is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -1214.0 kJ/mol.