Chemistry – Organic chemistry - Fuels | e-Consult

Methane is considered a relatively clean fuel compared to coal and oil because its combustion produces fewer pollutants.

When methane burns, it reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O).

The chemical equation for the combustion of methane is:

CH₄(g) + 2O₂(g) → CO₂(g) + 2H₂O(g)

While carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas, it is a relatively straightforward molecule to manage. Coal and oil combustion, on the other hand, produce a wider range of pollutants, including sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter, and carbon monoxide (CO). These pollutants contribute to acid rain, respiratory problems, and smog. Therefore, the cleaner combustion products of methane make it a more environmentally friendly fuel source.