To obtain 0.5 mol of formaldehyde during the catalytic oxidation of methane, air is required in volume (20% – O2)

1. Let us write the equation for obtaining formaldehyde by incomplete oxidation of methane:

CH4 + O2 → HCOH + H2O;

2.It can be seen from the recording of the reaction equation that one molecule of methane is oxidized by one molecule of oxygen, then the amount of oxygen:

n (O2) = n (CH4) = 0.5 mol;

3.Calculate the volume of oxygen:

V (O2) = n (O2) * Vm = 0.5 * 22.4 = 11.2 L;

4. find the volume of air required for oxidation:

V (air) = V (O2): ϕ (O2) = 11.2: 0.2 = 56 liters.

Answer: 56 l.