Question

The major petrochemical produced directly from methane is:

• A. Ethylene
• B. Methanol
• C. Benzene
• D. Propylene

Hint:

Memory Tip: Methane is the main starting feedstock for methanol production.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept:
Methane is the chief component of natural gas and an important raw material for synthesis of methanol.

Step 1:
Methane is abundantly available in natural gas.

Step 2:
Methane is first converted into synthesis gas containing CO and H$_2$.

Step 3:
Synthesis gas is catalytically converted into methanol.

Step 4:
Ethylene and propylene usually come from cracking of petroleum fractions, not directly from methane.

Step 5:
Therefore, the major petrochemical produced directly from methane is methanol.