Consider the following reaction: CH₄(g) + H₂O(g) 1270 K CO(g) + 3H₂(g) In the reaction given above, the mixture of CO and H₂, is:

- The reaction CH₄(g) + H₂O(g) → CO(g) + 3H₂(g) is called steam reforming of methane. - The resulting mixture of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H₂) is commonly referred to as synthesis gas or, specifically when produced via steam reactions with carbonaceous materials or hydrocarbons, water gas. - Producer gas is formed by reacting carbonaceous fuel with air and steam, containing CO, H₂, N₂, and CO₂. - Natural gas is primarily methane.