15.1.9

Cracking

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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:

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 (in the range of 600–700ºC).
  • The products include alkanes and alkenes.
    • E.g. decane → octane + ethene

Jump to other topics

1States of Matter

2Elements, Compounds & Mixtures

3Atomic Structure

4The Periodic Table

5Chemical Formulae, Equations & Calculations

6Bonding

7Electrolysis

8Groups of the Periodic Table

9The Atmosphere

10Reactivity Series

11Metal Extraction

12Acids & Alkalis

13Chemical Tests

14Physical Chemistry

15Organic Chemistry

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