| Chemical Properties | Back Directory | [Definition]
A mixture of low molecular weight hydrocarbons obtained in petroleumbearing regions throughout the world. Its composition is 85% methane 10% ethane, the balance being
made up of propane, butane, and nitrogen. In the
U.S., it occurs chiefly in the southwestern states and
Alaska. An as-yet-unexploited source of natural gas
under extremely high pressure (so-called geopressurized gas) exists in Texas and Louisiana at depths
of 15,000–20,000 ft. The tremendous pressures
involved present formidable engineering problems.
Natural gas is classed as a simple asphyxiant. It
should not be confused with natural gasoline. About
3% of the natural gas consumed in the U.S. is used
as feedstocks by the chemical industries | [Appearance]
Colorless, flammable gas or liquid;
almost odorless.A warning odor is added to
household fuel gas as a safety precaution. | [Uses]
Fuel and cooking gas, ammonia synthesis,
formaldehyde and other petrochemical feedstocks,
source of synthesis gas and methanol. Asphixiant.
See liquefied petroleum gas; synthetic natural gas |
| Hazard Information | Back Directory | [Chemical Properties]
Colorless, flammable gas or liquid;
almost odorless.A warning odor is added to
household fuel gas as a safety precaution. | [General Description]
A flammable liquefied gaseous mixture of straight chain hydrocarbons, predominately methane. | [Air & Water Reactions]
Highly flammable. | [Reactivity Profile]
Liquid oxygen gives an explosive mixture when combined with liquid methane [NFPA 1991]. Contact of very cold liquefied gas with water may result in vigorous or violent boiling of the product and extremely rapid vaporization due to the large temperature differences involved. If the water is hot, there is the possibility that a liquid "superheat" explosion may occur. Pressures may build to dangerous levels if liquid gas contacts water in a closed container [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980]. Involved in many explosions when combined with especially powerful oxidizers such as bromine pentafluoride, chlorine trifluoride, chlorine, iodine, heptafluoride, dioxygenyl tetrafluoroborate, dioxygen difluorede, trioxygen difluoride and liquid oxygen. Other violent reactions include, chlorine dioxide and nitrogen trifluoride. | [Health Hazard]
Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning. Some may be irritating if inhaled at high concentrations. Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases. | [Fire Hazard]
EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Will form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. CAUTION: Hydrogen (UN1049), Deuterium (UN1957), Hydrogen, refrigerated liquid (UN1966) and Methane (UN1971) are lighter than air and will rise. Hydrogen and Deuterium fires are difficult to detect since they burn with an invisible flame. Use an alternate method of detection (thermal camera, broom handle, etc.) Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Cylinders exposed to fire may vent and release flammable gas through pressure relief devices. Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket. | [Hazard]
Flammable, dangerous fire and explosion
risk; explosive limits in air 3.8–17% |
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