ORGANIC CHEMISTRY A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z                    HOME ABOUT CATEGORIES SITE MAP COPYRIGHT ADVERTISE CONTACT entire Web this site methane (CH4) A colorless, odorless, inflammable gas. Methane (CH4) is the simplest hydrocarbon and the first member of the alkane series. It is released by methanogenic microbes and volcanic vents, and forms from decaying matter and in coalmines. It is known commonly as marsh gas or fire damp. With air it makes an explosive mixture. Methane occurs in the atmospheres of the gas giant planets and in the atmosphere and on the surface of Saturn's largest moon, Titan. It has also been detected in small quantities in the atmosphere of Mars (see methane on Mars). Testing is underway of a methane rocket engine that might eventually be used on deep space missions. Melting point -182.5 °C Boiling point -161 °C Related category    • ORGANIC CHEMISTRY Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) BACK TO TOP