Question

Which of the following reactions of methane is incomplete combustion?

• A. $2CH_4 + O_2 \xrightarrow{Cu/523\, K/100\, atm} 2CH_3OH$
• B. $CH_4 + O_2 \xrightarrow{Mo_2O_3} HCHO + H_2O$
• C. $CH_{4} + O_{2} \to C_{\left(s\right)} + 2H_{2}O_{\left(l\right)}$
• D. $CH_{4} + 2O_{2} \to CO_{2\left(g\right)} + 2H_{2}O_{\left(l\right)}$

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

$CH_{4} + O_{2} \to C_{\left(s\right)} + 2H_{2}O_{\left(l\right)}$ is incomplete combustion. In complete combustion, hydrocarbons release $CO_2$ and $H_2O$ whereas in this reaction, $C$ and $H_2O$ are released.