What Is the Formula for Carbon Tetrahydride?

The formula for carbon tetrahydride is CH4. Some other names for this compound are methane and marsh gas. Methane is a hydrocarbon that belongs to the paraffin series. It is an odorless, colorless gas.

Methane’s melting point is negative 296.5 degrees Fahrenheit, and its boiling point is negative 259.6 degrees Fahrenheit. This gas is present in abundant amounts in nature and is also a component of natural gas. It is not very soluble in water, but it can react with air to produce carbon dioxide and water vapor.

Because the methane content in natural gas is between 50 to 90 percent, natural gas is a main source for this substance. Another source of methane is bituminous coal. Methane is a greenhouse gas that can be detrimental to the environment. Methane emission can cause warming of the atmosphere.