Methane is the simplest hydrocarbon and an alkane. It is colourless, odourless, lighter than air and highly flammable, forming an explosive mixture with air (flash point about 5-17%). In the combustion reaction, methane produces a high amount of heat energy, which is why it is used as an efficient fuel. Methane is a reducing gas that reacts strongly with oxidants such as chlorine and liquid oxygen.
Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas with a warming effect about 25 times greater than that of carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. Methane remains in the atmosphere for about 10 years.
Chemical symbol of methane: CH₄
Methane UN number: 1971
Valve: DIN 477 No. 1 RPV
Density of methane: 0,7168 kg/m³ (at normal pressure and 0 °C)
Relative density of methane: about 0,55 (air = 1)
Boiling point of methane at 0,101 MPa: -161,6 °C


