Methane-the Promising Career of a Humble Molecule

摘要

Methane, CH4, here represents natural gas (NG) of which it is the main constituent. Routes of chemical utilisation of NG - as opposed to energy usage - are discussed. A main step is the conversion of NG to synthesis gas, a mixture of CO and H2. Simple molecules derived from synthesis gas, like methanol,can be further reacted to longer-chained hydrocarbons like propylene and other olefins and even to gasoline and diesel.