Cracking crude oils Them c1

Cracking

• hydrocarbon molecules are described as alkanes or alkenes- depending on weather or not they have a carbon- carbon double bond pressent.

• Cracking converts large alkane molecules into smaller, more useful, alkane and alkene molecules.

Alkene molecules obtained can be used to make polymers.

The smaller alkane molecules obtained are usally blended to make petrol, which has a huge demand.

Cracking

To take place, cracking needs a catalyst and a high temperature. 

example of cracking taking place.

............................    ---->       ....... + ...

Long chain of hydrocarbons      heat/ catalyst     short cahin hydrocarbons