Alkanes: Modification of Alkanes by Cracking Flashcards

1
Q

Why is cracking needed?

A
  • There is a shortage of shorter chain fractions and a surplus of longer chain ones found in crude oil
  • The longer chain fractions are in lower demand and are less economically valuable
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2
Q

Define the term cracking

A
  • A process where long chain hydrocarbons are broken into smaller chain hydrocarbons
  • It involves breaking C-C bonds
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3
Q

What are the two types of cracking?

A
  • Thermal cracking

- Catalytic cracking

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4
Q

What is thermal cracking?

A
  • Requires high temperature (around 1200K)
  • Requires high pressure (around 7000kPa)
  • Produces a large proportion of alkenes and lower proportions of branched alkanes
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5
Q

What is catalytic cracking?

A
  • Requires relatively lower temperatures (around 700K)
  • Requires only slight pressure.
  • Produces a large proportion of arenes and branched alkanes needed to produce motor fuels
  • Uses a zeolite catalyst
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