摘要：

As the simplest hydride of carbon and the major constituent of natural gas, methane has attracted increased attention in recent years. An important factor has been the recognition of the significance of world natural gas reserves to energy and chemicals production in the 21st century. This expectation is lined to the gradual depletion of oil reserves and to the possible influence of greenhouse global warming effect on energy policy. The combustion of fossil fuel has caused a rise in the CO{sub 2} level in the atmosphere from an estimated preindustrial level of 280 ppm to the current 360 ppm. If current climate models are correct, this may cause a global warming trend in the next few decades. If public resistance to nuclear energy remains strong, natural gas is likely to become a more important energy source. The low C:H ratio of CH{sub 4} means that on combustion it can furnish a much larger amount of energy per CO{sub 2} molecule released than can oil (approximate ratio, CH{sub 2}) or coal (approximate ratio, CH). This article reviews the occurrence, production, and origin of natural gas and methane. The physical properties, structure, and chemical reactivity of methane are also reviewed. 180 refs.

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