Metan (CH₄) is the simplest alkane and a hydrocarbon gas. It is colorless, odorless, and flammable, making up the main part of natural gas. Its molecular structure is tetrahedral, with each carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms. Despite being relatively inert chemically, methane can react with oxygen at high temperatures or in the presence of a catalyst, producing carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O). This reaction is exothermic, releasing a large amount of heat. The ignition temperature of methane gas is around 1950°C