2 C (s) + 2 H₂O (l) → CH₄ (g) + CO₂ (g)

This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:

C is both an oxidizing and a reducing agent (disproportionation (dismutation)).

Reactants:

• C
  • Names: Carbon black , Acetylene black , Channel black ... show moreFurnace black , Lamp black , Thermal black , Carbon soot show less
  • Appearance: Odourless black pellets or extremely fine powder ; Black, odorless solid.
• H₂O – Water, oxidane
  • Other names: Water (H2O) , Hydrogen hydroxide (HH or HOH) , Hydrogen oxide ... show moreDihydrogen monoxide (DHMO) (systematic name) , Hydrogen monoxide , Dihydrogen oxide , Hydric acid , Hydrohydroxic acid , Hydroxic acid , Hydrol , Μ-oxido dihydrogen , Κ1-hydroxyl hydrogen(0) show less
  • Appearance: White crystalline solid, almost colorless liquid with a hint of blue, colorless gas

Products:

• CH₄ – Methane , Carbane (never recommended)
  • Other names: M , Arsh gas|Natural gas|Carbon tetrahydride|Hydrogen carbide}} , CH4 ... show moreMarsh gas , Methyl hydride , Tetrahydridocarbon , Carbane , Tetrahydrogen monocarbide show less
  • Appearance: Colorless gas ; Colourless odourless compressed or liquefied gas
• CO₂
  • Names: Carbon dioxide , {{plainlist| , CO2 ... show moreCarbonic acid gas , Dry ice , [CO2] , Carbonic anhydride , R-744 , E-290 , E 290 , E290 , Carbonic acid anhydride , Carbon-12 dioxide , Methanedione , Carbon oxide , CO₂ , [Note: Normal constituent of air (about 300 ppm)]. show less
  • Appearance: Colorless gas ; Odourless colourless compressed liquefied gas ; Colorless, odorless gas. [Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas. Solid form is utilized as dry ice.]