Methane

IUPAC Name: Methane
Canonical SMILES: C
InChI: InChI=1S/CH4/h1H4
Molecular Formula: CH₄
Molecular Weight: 16.04 g/mol
EINECS: 200-812-7
Classification Code: refrigerants; Organics; Imidazol&Benzimidazole; META - METHGas Standards; Pure Gases; SCOTTY Gases; Alphabetic; M; Chemical Synthesis; Compressed and Liquefied GasesVapor Deposition Precursors; Gases; Precursors by Metal; Synthetic Reagents; Compressed and Liquefied Gases; Fluka Brand; Gas Standards
Stability: Stable. Extremely flammable - note low flash point; mixtures with air constitute an explosion hazard. Reacts violently with interhalogens. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, halogens, interhalogens, oxygen.
Melting Point: -183 °C(lit.)
Density:  0.716 g/mL at 25 °C(lit.) 
Flash Point: -188 °C 
Enthalpy of Vaporization: 8.17 kJ/mol 
Boiling Point: -161 °C(lit.)
Vapour Pressure of Methane (CAS NO.74-82-8):  205000 mmHg at 25 °C

  Methane (CAS NO.74-82-8) in the form of compressed natural gas is used as a vehicle fuel, and is claimed to be more environmentally friendly than other fossil fuels. It is used in industrial chemical processes and may be transported as a refrigerated liquid. It also is used in the production of olefins on a large scale. In a controlled-oxidation process, methane is used as a raw material in the production of acetylene.

 Methane (CAS NO.74-82-8) occurs as the principal constituent of natural gas and is often produced by separation from the other constituents of natural gas. Alternatively, Methane (CAS NO.74-82-8) can be manufactured by the reaction of carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a nickel catalyst. Methane (CAS NO.74-82-8) also is formed by reaction of magnesium methyl iodide (Grignard's reagent) in anhydrous ether with substances containing the hydroxyl group. Methyl iodide (bromide, chloride) is preferably made by reaction of methyl alcohol and phosphorus iodide (bromide, chloride).

Reported in EPA TSCA Inventory.

A simple asphyxiant. Very dangerous fire and explosion hazard when exposed to heat or flame. Reacts violently with powerful oxidizers (e.g., bromine pentafluoride, chlorine trifluoride, chlorine, fluorine, iodine heptafluoride, dioxygenyl tetrafluoroborate, dioxygen difluoride, trioxygen difluoride, liquid oxygen, ClO₂, NF₃, OF₂). Incompatible with halogens or interhalogens in air (forms explosive mixtures). Explosive in the form of vapor when exposed to heat or flame. To fight fire, stop flow of gas.
Hazard Codes: F+
Risk Statements: 12
R12:Extremely flammable.
Safety Statements: 9-16-33 
S9:Keep container in a well-ventilated place. 
S16:Keep away from sources of ignition. 
S33:Take precautionary measures against static discharges.
RIDADR: UN 1971 2.1
RTECS: PA1490000
HazardClass: 2.1

DOT Classification:  2.1; Label: Flammable Gas

  Methane (CAS NO.74-82-8), its Synonyms are Fire Damp ; Methyl hydride ; Marsh gas ; Methane in gaseus state ; Methane, compressed or natural gas, compressed (with high methane content) . It is is a colorless odorless gas.