Molecular measurements of methane hydrate formation

Time-wise Raman data are presented as evidence for methane transformation to the hydrate phase from methane dissolved in water for three cases: (1) pure water, (2) water containing a kinetic inhibitor, Poly N-vinylcaprolactam (PVCap), and (3) water containing 1 wt.% deuterated tetrahydrofuran (THF-d8). The ratio of large to small cage formation is suggested as a basis for a future kinetic model.