Natural Gas Chemistry

The use of the C₁–C₃ alkanes as feedstocks obtained from crude natural gas in the preparation of industrially important organic compounds, a few inorganic compounds, and several elements has been examined. This examination may be facilitated using seven figures (or flowcharts). The isolation of individual species starting with crude natural gas is illustrated in the first figure. The second figure addresses the removal of H₂S from crude natural gas, its conversion to elemental sulfur, and the conversion of sulfur to sulfuric acid. The third and fourth figures examine methane as a feedstock. These figures illuminate the first round of products and the cascade of these products to other products. A pathway often leads to a monomer and ends with the polymer derived from that monomer. For example, steam methane reforming (SMR) yields synthesis gas (CO + H₂), which is used to prepare methanol. Methanol is converted to acetic acid, which is converted to vinyl acetate, which is polymerized to poly(vinyl acetate). The fifth figure examines important uses of elemental hydrogen obtained from SMR. The sixth and seventh figures illustrate ethylene and propylene chemistry. In all, seventy-two species are examined and 30 polymers are addressed. The supporting text highlights the preparation, properties, and uses of these compounds. These figures have been used in General Chemistry, first-semester Inorganic, and senior-level Polymer Chemistry courses. As the chemistry community, and society more generally, seeks to chart a course to a more sustainable economy, this examination may provide a baseline for moving forward.