What is the chemical formula for Marsh gas?

Marsh gas is the common name for methane, which has the chemical formula CH4. It is the simplest alkane, consisting of one carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms [2]. Methane is primarily produced in nature through the anaerobic decomposition of organic matter in wetlands and marshes, hence its name 'marsh gas' [4]. It is a major component of natural gas, biogas, and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) [3]. While other options like ethane (C2H6) and ammonia (NH3) are also carbon or nitrogen-based compounds, they do not constitute marsh gas [2]. Carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are atmospheric gases but are distinct from the flammable hydrocarbon methane [3]. Methane is a significant greenhouse gas and is widely used as a fuel source globally [4].

Sources

1. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Carbon and its Compounds > 4.1 BONDING IN CARBON – THE COVALENT BOND > p. 60
2. [2] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Carbon and its Compounds > 4.2.2 Chains, Branches and Rings > p. 64
3. [4] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 17: Climate Change > 17,3.3. Methane > p. 256
4. [3] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 20: Earths Atmosphere > Permanent Gases of The Atmosphere > p. 271