Methanol (CH₃OH) is made industrially in two steps from CO and H₂. It is so cheap to make that it is being considered for use as a precursor to hydrocarbon fuels, such as methane (CH₄):

Step 1. CO(g) + 2 H₂(g) S CH₃OH(l) ΔS° = - 332 J/K

Step 2. CH₃OH₁l₂ → CH₄(g) + 1/2 O₂(g) ΔS° = 162 J/K

(l) Is the overall reaction spontaneous at 298 K?