Chemicals Based on Methane

As mentioned previously, methane is a one-carbon paraffinic hydrocarbon that is not very reactive under normal conditions. Only a few chemicals can be produced directly from methane under relatively severe conditions such as carbon disulfide, hydrogen cyanide chloromethane, and synthesis gas mixture, all these are covered in detail. Chlorination of methane is only possible by thermal or photochemical initiation. Methane can be partially oxidized with a limited amount of oxygen or in the presence of steam to a synthesis gas mixture. Many chemicals can be produced from methane via the more reactive synthesis gas mixture. Synthesis gas is the precursor for two major chemicals, ammonia and methanol. Both compounds are the hosts for many important petrochemical products. Also, the major end use of ammonia is the fertilizer field for the production of urea, ammonium nitrate and ammonium phosphate, and sulfate. Uses and production of the same are shown in detail. The figure shows the important chemicals based on methane, synthesis gas, methanol, and ammonia. Methylamines and Hydrocarbons from Methanol (Methanol to Gasoline MTG Process), and oxo aldehydes and alcohols are covered later.