Question

Which of the following reactions of methane is incomplete combustion?

• A. $\ce{2CH4 + O2 ->[Cu/523\, K/100\, atm] 2CH3OH}$
• B. $\ce{CH4 + O2 ->[Mo_2O_3] HCHO + H2O}$
• 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)

$CH_{4} + O_{2} \to C_{\left(s\right)} + 2H_{2}O_{\left(l\right)}$

Answer 2

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