2 CH4 (g) + 2 NH3 (g) + 3 O2 (g) → 2 HCN (l) + 6 H2O (l)
This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:
2 C-IV - 12 e- → 2 CII (oxidation)
6 O0 + 12 e- → 6 O-II (reduction)
CH4 is a reducing agent, O2 is an oxidizing agent.
Reactants:
- CH4 – Methane , Carbane (never recommended)
- NH3
- Names: Ammonia , Azane (only intended for use in naming derivatives of ammonia) , Hydrogen nitride
- Appearance: Colourless gas ; Colourless gas or compressed liquefied gas with pungent odour ; Colorless gas with a pungent, suffocating odor. [Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas. Easily liquefied under pressure.]
- O2
Products:
- HCN – F , Ormonitrile (substitutive)|Hydridonitridocarbon (additive)}}
- Other names: Hydrogen cyanide , Ormic anammonide|Hydrocyanic acid|Prussic acid|Methanenitrile , Hydrogen cyanide, liquefied
- Appearance: Colorless liquid or gas ; Colourless gas or liquid with characteristic odour ; Colorless or pale-blue liquid or gas (above 78°F) with a bitter, almond-like odor. [Note: Often used as a 96% solution in water.]
- H2O – Water, oxidane