In order to get acetylene from methane, it is necessary to carry out a dehydrogenation reaction. Before proceeding to consider it, we will analyze some features of the hydrocarbon.
This gaseous substance, which is the first representative of the class of unsaturated hydrocarbons (alkynes). It is lighter than air, it is poorly soluble in water. The molecular formula C2H2, common for the whole class of CnN2p-2. Acetylene is considered an active chemical substance, besides it is very explosive. In order to avoid emergencies, it is stored in sealed steel containers, adding charcoal to it.
The decomposition of methane produced acetylene. This chemical reaction is carried out using a catalyst, occurs at elevated temperature. The initial substance is the first representative of the class of paraffins. During dehydrogenation, in addition to acetylene, hydrogen is formed.
Answering the question about how to get acetylene from methane, we can represent the reaction equation in the form:
2CH4 = C2H2 + 3H2
You can get acetylene from methane or as athe starting substance to take calcium carbide. The process proceeds under ordinary conditions. In the interaction of calcium carbide with water, not only acetylene is formed, but also calcium hydroxide (hydrated lime). Signs of the chemical process will be gas evolution (hissing), as well as a change in the color of the solution when phenolphthalein is added to the crimson color.
When used as a starting materialtechnical carbide, which has various impurities, an unpleasant smell is observed during the interaction. It is explained by the presence in the reaction products of such poisonous gaseous substances as phosphine, hydrogen sulphide.
At present it is possible not only from methaneget acetylene. The main industrial method for the production of this representative of alkynes is cracking (splitting) of hydrocarbons. If you get acetylene from methane, then the energy costs will be minimal. In addition to inexpensive and affordable raw materials, this technology attracts producers of hydrocarbon raw materials with the simplicity of technological equipment used in the methane dehydrogenation process.
There are two options for doing thischemical process. The first method is based on passing methane through electrodes heated to 1600 degrees Celsius. The technology assumes a sharp cooling of the product obtained. The second option of dehydrogenation of methane to produce acetylene involves the use of energy, which is formed by the partial combustion of this alkyne.
The cylinders containing acetylene can notTo be completed with bronze gates, since bronze contains copper. The interaction of this metal with acetylene is accompanied by the production of an explosive salt.
Acetylene is currently used in variousproduction areas. It is a valuable raw material for the synthesis of ethanol, plastics, rubbers, acetic acid. This representative of the class of alkynes is in demand when cutting and welding metals, as a bright light in individual luminaires.
On the basis of acetylene synthesis is carried outexplosives used in the form of detonators. A strong flame is observed in the oxidation of this alkyne in air oxygen. Methane also plays an equally important role in the chemical industry. In addition to using it as a starting material for the production of acetylene, it is consumed in large quantities as a natural hydrocarbon in the fuel industry. When it burns out, a significant amount of heat is released.
