What is methane? Draw its electron dot structure. Name the type of bonds formed in this compound. Why are such compounds: (i) poor conductors of electricity and (ii) have low melting and boiling points? What happens when this compound burns in oxygen?
Answer
Methane (CH 4 ) is a highly flammable colorless gas which is produced on decomposition of vegetation naturally in marshlands . It is a saturated hydrocarbon (alkane) and also the simplest hydrocarbon.
Electron dot structure:
All the bonds present in methane are covalent bonds which are formed by sharing of electrons.
- Such compounds are poor conductors of electricity because these are covalent compounds formed by sharing of electrons so there is no free electron available to conduct electricity.
- They have low melting and boiling point because covalent compounds and l ow force of attraction between two atoms so less energy is required to break the bonds.
When methane is burned in air, complete combustion takes place and CO 2 gas is produced. The reaction is as follows: