Difficult for small Methane droplets to form?

The intermolecular forces between the very small molecules of methane (CH 4) are very weak.
Methane cannot be condensed to a liquid by pressure at ordinary temperatures because the
critical temperature3 of methane is −82.1 ºC. Above this temperature no liquid phase exists.
Natural gas, which is mostly methane, is bought and used by consumers as a gas from a
pressurized natural gas distribution system or as a compressed gas in tanks. Natural gas can be
liquefied at a pressure of 45.8 atm at or below its critical point temperature of −82.1 ºC to form
liquefied natural gas (LNG)3 for commercial transport.

Table: Selected physical and chemical properties

Property Methane Propane

Chemical formula CH4 C3H8
Normal boiling point (°C) − 164 − 42.1
Critical point (T °C, P atm) − 82.1, 45.8 96.8, 42
Density of liquid (kg/L) --- 0.51
Flammability limits (%) 4.7 – 15 2.2 – 9.6
Ignition temperature (°C) 482 – 632 493 – 604
Flame temperature (°C) 1950 1980
Heat of vaporization (kJ/mol) --- 20.1
Heat of combustion (MJ/mol, kJ/g) 0.805, 50.00 2.044, 46.35
(product water as a gas)

Relative to methane, the intermolecular forces between the larger molecules of propane (C 3H8)
are greater. The critical point of propane, above which no liquid phase exists, is above any
temperature normally encountered. Propane is bought and used domestically as a volatile,
pressurized liquid, called propane or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) 3, and is dispensed under
pressure into cylinders, tanks, or vehicle tanks.