11.5.5

Cracking

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Cracking

Cracking is the process that breaks down long-chain hydrocarbons into shorter-chain molecules that have a higher commercial value. Cracking is an example of a thermal decomposition reaction. Cracking can be done in two ways:

Illustrative background for Catalytic crackingIllustrative background for Catalytic cracking ?? "content

Catalytic cracking

  • Vapourised heavy hydrocarbons are passed over the top of a heated catalyst.
  • Alkanes and alkenes are produced by this reaction.
    • E.g. hexane → butane + ethene
Illustrative background for Steam crackingIllustrative background for Steam cracking ?? "content

Steam cracking

  • Vapourised heavy hydrocarbons are mixed with steam in a high temperature environment.
  • The products include alkanes and alkenes.
    • E.g. decane → octane + ethene

Jump to other topics

1States of Matter

2Atoms, Elements & Compounds

3Stoichometry

4Electrochemistry

5Chemical Energetics

6Chemical Reactions

7Acids, Bases & Salts

8The Periodic Table

9Metals

10Chemistry of the Environment

11Organic Chemistry

11.1Formulae, Functional Groups & Terminology

11.2Naming Organic Compounds

11.3Fuels

11.4Alkanes

11.5Alkenes

11.6Alcohols

11.7Carboxylic Acids

11.8Polymers

12Experimental Techniques & Chemical Analysis

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