Conversion of methane to butane.

Let’s compose the reaction equations:
CH4 + Cl2 = CH3Cl + HCl – methane chloride is formed;
2CH3Cl + 4Na + 2CH3Cl = H3C – CH2 – CH2 – CH3 + 4NaCl – Wurtz reaction, butane obtained;
Methane and butane are homologues and belong to the class of alkanes. Getting butane from methane is possible in stages. The first stage is the halogenation of methane, while the more active chloromethane is obtained. The second stage is the lengthening of the carbon chain; for this, the Wurtz reaction was carried out. Methane and butane are used as fuel in natural gas.