cracking Flashcards
(5 cards)
what is cracking?
splitting up long chain hydrocarbons
what type of reaction is cracking?
Cracking is a thermal decomposition reaction. This means the molecules are broken down by heating them
what does cracking also make?
Alkenes. They are more reactive then alkanes
describe the process of steam cracking
Long chain hydrocarbons are heated
The hydrocarbon vapour is mixed with steam
They then are heated to a very high temperature which splits them into smaller molecules.
describe catalytic cracking
Long chain hydrocarbons are heated to turn them into a gas
The vapour is passed over a hot aluminium oxide catalyst
The long chain molecules split apart