A6. Cracking

6. Describe how long-chain hydrocarbons are cracked to give more short-chain hydrocarbons using silica or alumina as a catalyst at a temperature in the range of 600-700°C


Because fractional distillation forms more long-chain molecules than the more in-demand short-chain molecules, a process called Cracking is used to break down the longer molecules.


The longer molecules are heated to a temperature in the range of 600-700°C and passed over a catalyst like alumina or silica, this breaks down the molecules into smaller ones.