Question

Which of the following product is obtained when a mixture of Methane$\left({\mathrm{CH}}_4\right)$ and Oxygen$\left({\mathrm{O}}_2\right)$ is passed through heat Molybdenum$\left({\mathrm{Mo}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3\right)$ at $543\mathrm{K}$and $100$atm pressure?

• A. Ethanal
• B. Methanol
• C. Methanal
• D. Methanoic acid

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Methanal

The explanation for the correct option

(C) Methanal

• Methanal is formed when a mixture of Methane$\left({\mathrm{CH}}_4\right)$ and Oxygen$\left({\mathrm{O}}_2\right)$ is passed through heat Molybdenum$\left({\mathrm{Mo}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3\right)$
• The reaction can be written as
• $$\begin{gathered} {\mathrm{CH}}_4\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)+{\mathrm{O}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)\stackrel{\mathrm{Mo}-\mathrm{Oxide}}{\to }\mathrm{HCHO}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)+{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{l}\right) \\ \left(\mathrm{Methane}\right)\left(\mathrm{Oxygen}\right)\left(\mathrm{Methanal}\right)\left(\mathrm{Water}\right) \end{gathered}$$
• This reaction is known as the catalytic oxidation of methane.

Hence, Option (C) Methanal is the correct

The explanation for the incorrect options
(A) Ethanal

• When a mixture of methane and oxygen is heated in the presence of heated molybdenum, Methanal is formed
• Ethanal is a wrong answer

(B) Methanol

• When a mixture of methane and oxygen is heated in the presence of heated molybdenum, Methanal is formed
• Methanol is a wrong answer

(D) Methanoic acid

• When a mixture of methane and oxygen is heated in the presence of heated molybdenum, Methanal is formed
• Methanoic acid is a wrong answer

Therefore, Option (C) Methanal is the correct