Answer to Question #310985 in Organic Chemistry for Comfort

Question

Define the following

(iii)Discuss the oxidation reaction of methane.

(i)Energy of activation in relation to methane

(ii)Heat of combustion

(iv)Discuss free radical reaction mechanism in methane chlorination as an example of

substitution reactions of alkanes

Answer 1

Methane oxidation is a microbial metabolic process for energy generation and carbon assimilation from methane that is carried out by specific groups of bacteria, the methanotrophs. Methane (CH4) is oxidized with molecu- lar oxygen (O2) to carbon dioxide (CO2).