Harmful Compound formed by two harmless elements

Harmful Compound: Methane (CH4)
Constituent Elements: Carbon (C) and Hydrogen (H)

Methane
-A potentially dangerous gas as an asphyxiant
-An explosive compound
-A greenhouse gas

Formation of Methane and its constituent elements
Methane is a highly explosive compound when it reacts with other gases such as oxygen. It is formed by covalent bonding, with the electrons of 1 carbon atom, sharing with 4 other hydrogen atoms' electrons, to form methane, to ensure that both elements have a complete outer shell and are stable.

It is formed by carbon, a non-metallic and tetravalent element with 4 electrons available for covalent bonding, and hydrogen, a non-metallic abundant gas in the Earth's atmosphere with 1 electron available for covalent bonding. When 4 hydrogen atoms react with 1 carbon atom, they would share their electrons to form methane.

Methane is formed through an abiogenic processes. Extremely deep under the earth's crust, there exist hydrogen-rich gases and carbon molecules. As these gases gradually rise towards the surface of the earth, they may interact with minerals that also exist underground, in the absence of oxygen. This interaction may result in a reaction, forming elements and compounds that are found in the atmosphere (including nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, argon, and water). If these gases are under very high pressure as they move toward the surface of the earth, they are likely to form methane deposits, similar to thermogenic methane.

Methane can also be formed through methanogens, tiny methane-producing micro-organisms, chemically break down organic matter to produced methane. These micro-organisms are commonly found in areas near the surface of the earth that are void of oxygen.

Dot and Cross Diagram of Methane:


Sources:
http://www.ehow.com/about_5106705_methane-harmful.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen

http://www.naturalgas.org/overview/background.asp

Done By: Chua Zhong Zhi (08) 2A2