Convert C2H6 into CH4

Explanation

To convert ethane (C2H6) into methane (CH4), we can follow a series of chemical reactions. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process:

### Step 1: Halogenation of Ethane
- **Reaction**: Ethane (C2H6) is treated with chlorine (Cl2) in the presence of light (UV light).
- **Product**: This reaction leads to the formation of chloroethane (C2H5Cl).

**Equation**:
\[ \text{C}_2\text{H}_6 + \text{Cl}_2 \xrightarrow{\text{light}} \text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{Cl} + \text{HCl} \]

### Step 2: Formation of Ethanol
- **Reaction**: Chloroethane (C2H5Cl) is then treated with potassium hydroxide (KOH).
- **Product**: This reaction results in the formation of ethanol (C2H5OH) and potassium chloride (KCl) as a byproduct.

**Equation**:
\[ \text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{Cl} + \text{KOH} \rightarrow \text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{OH} + \text{KCl} \]

### Step 3: Oxidation of Ethanol
- **Reaction**: Ethanol (C2H5OH) is treated with potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) in the presence of sulfuric acid (H2SO4).
- **Product**: This leads to the formation of sodium acetate (CH3COONa) as an intermediate product.

**Equation**:
\[ \text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{OH} \xrightarrow{\text{K}_2\text{Cr}_2\text{O}_7, \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4} \text{CH}_3\text{COONa} \]

### Step 4: Decarboxylation
- **Reaction**: Sodium acetate (CH3COONa) is then treated with calcium oxide (CaO) and heated.
- **Product**: This reaction results in the formation of methane (CH4) gas.

**Equation**:
\[ \text{CH}_3\text{COONa} + \text{CaO} \xrightarrow{\text{heat}} \text{CH}_4 + \text{Na}_2\text{CO}_3 \]

### Final Result
Thus, through these series of reactions, ethane (C2H6) is successfully converted into methane (CH4).

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