Question

Methane (CH4) is the main component of marsh gas. Heating methane in the presence of sulfur produces carbon disulfide and hydrogen sulfide as the only products. a) write balanced equation and Calculate the theoretical yield of carbon disulfide when 160. g of methane is reacted with an equal mass of sulfur.

Answer 1

a). Balanced chemical equation for this reaction is

CH₄ + 4 S give CS₂ + 2 H₂S

Molar mass of methane 16 g/mol

Molar mass of S is 32 g/mole

Number of moles of methane in 160 g =160/16 = 10

Number of moles of S = 160/32 = 5

As per the balanced chemical equation, one-mole methane reacts with 4 mole S

or 10-mole methane need 40 moles S

Thus in this reaction S is the limiting reagent.

From balanced chemical equation, it is clear that one mole S produces 0.25 moles CS2

or

5 moles S produce 0.25 x 5 = 1.25 moles CS2

Molar mass of CS2 = 76 g/mole

Expected yield of CS2 1.25 x 76 = 95 g