What is the primary component of natural gas?

The primary component of natural gas is methane. Natural gas is composed mostly of hydrocarbons, with methane typically accounting for about 70-90% of its composition. Methane is a simple alkane with the chemical formula CH₄, and its abundance makes it the most significant contributor to the energy content of natural gas.

This predominance of methane is important because it influences the combustion properties of natural gas, its efficiency as a fuel source, and its environmental impact when burned compared to other hydrocarbons. Methane burns cleanly, producing a high amount of heat and lower emissions of pollutants like carbon monoxide and particulate matter compared to heavier hydrocarbons.

While ethane, propane, and butane are also components of natural gas, they are present in much smaller amounts and are primarily by-products or used in different applications beyond heating.