3.3.2.2 Modification of alkanes by cracking

what is the formula for an alkane

CnH2n+2

what functional group do alkanes have

C-C single bonds

What boiling point do alkanes have and why

low due to weak Van Der Walls

what is the trend in alkane’s boiling points

increase with chain length

why do boiling points increase with chain length

larger Mr means more Van Der Walls

what type of boiling points do straight chain alkanes have and why

higher boiling points as they can stack closer increasing Van Der Walls

what does cracking do

breaks longer hydrocarbons into shorter alkanes and alkenes

how does cracking separate longer hydrocarbons

breaking C-C bonds

what two types of cracking are there

thermal and catalyst

why do we do cracking

short-chained molecules are typically more useful and more in demand

what are two requirements for thermal cracking

very high temperature, high pressure

what is the product of thermal cracking

short alkanes and alkenes

what are the two requirements for catalytic cracking

high temperature, zeolite crystal catalyst

what does catalytic cracking produce

alkanes and aromatic compounds

why may catalyst cracking be more effective

it cuts costs as the reaction can be done at a lower temperature and pressure and is quicker