Clathrate Compounds

one of the forms of inclusion compounds. Widely known are the clathrate compounds formed by inert gases (argon, krypton, xenon) and by the components of natural gas mixed with water. Here, the gas molecules penetrate the cavities of the crystal structure composed of H₂O molecules. The external appearance of these gas hydrates of methane, ethane, propane, isobutane, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and so forth resembles packed snow. It has proved convenient to store and transport inert gases in the form of their crystalline clathrate compounds. The formation of clathrate compounds, however, impedes the production and transport of natural gas.