Cracking

Question 1

what is cracking?

Answer 1

splitting long chain hydrocarbons

long alkane -> shorter alkane + alkene

Question 2

why do we do cracking?

Answer 2

crude oil contains more longer alkanes than shorter ones, but the shorter ones are much more useful - cracking breaks down longer alkanes into smaller, more useful ones

Question 3

what are properties of long hydrocarbons?

Answer 3

• high boiling points
• viscous

Question 4

what are properties of shorter hydrocarbons?

Answer 4

• lower boiling points
• much thinner and paler in colour

Question 5

conditions for cracking

Answer 5

temperature: 650 degrees C
catalyst: aluminium oxide (Al2O3)