How to get acetylene from methane

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.

Characteristics of acetylene

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 is C ₂ H ₂ , which is common for the whole CnH ₂ n-2 class. Acetylene is considered an active chemical substance, besides it is very explosive. In order to avoid emergencies, it is stored in sealed steel tanks, adding charcoal to it.

Preparation from alkanes

The decomposition of methane produced acetylene. This chemical reaction is carried out using a catalyst, occurs at an elevated temperature. The initial substance is the first representative of the class of paraffins. In the 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

The carbide method

You can get acetylene from methane or take calcium carbide as a starting material . 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 a technical carbide having various impurities is used as a starting material, an unpleasant odor is observed during the reaction. It is explained by the presence in the reaction products of such poisonous gaseous substances, as phosphine, hydrogen sulphide.

Cracking of petroleum products

At present it is possible not only to get acetylene from methane. The main industrial method for the production of this representative of alkynes is cracking (splitting) of hydrocarbons. If you get acetylene from methane, then 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 the technological equipment used in the methane dehydrogenation process.

There are two options for conducting a similar chemical process. The first method is based on the transmission of 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.

Cylinders containing acetylene can not be equipped with bronze gates, since bronze contains copper. The interaction of this metal with acetylene is accompanied by the production of an explosive salt.

Conclusion

Acetylene is currently used in various manufacturing 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 of explosives, used in the form of detonators. A strong flame is observed in the oxidation of this alkyne in air oxygen. Methane is of no less value 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.