Question

Give reason as to why:
(i) almost 90% of all known compounds are organic in nature,
(ii) it is dangerous to burn methane in an insufficient supply of air.

Answer 1

(i) All organic compounds are carbon-based compounds. Carbon is a tetravalent element, can catenate, can form multiple bonds and exhibit isomerism. Therefore, a large number of organic compounds exist.

(ii) When burnt in an insufficient supply of air, methane forms carbon monoxide, which is highly toxic. Due to this it is very dangerous to burn methane in an insufficient supply of air.

$2{\mathrm{CH}}_4+3{\mathrm{O}}_2\to 2\mathrm{CO}+4{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$