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Cracking

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

Catalytic cracking

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
Steam cracking

Steam cracking

  • Vapourised heavy hydrocarbons are mixed with steam in a high temperature environment (in the range of 600–700ºC).
  • The products include alkanes and alkenes.
    • E.g. decane → octane + ethene
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