Cracking

• Why is cracking used?

  Used to convert long chain hydrocarbons into shorter chain hydrocarbons, as there is more demand to use short chain hydrocarbons for fuels.It is an example of thermal decomposition reaction
• Catalytic Cracking

  Vaporised heavy hydrocarbons are passed over the top of a heated catalyst.Job of the catalyst is to speed up the rate of reaction.Another condition needed is a high temperatures.Alkanes and Alkenes are produced by this.
• Steam Cracking

  Vaporised heavy hydrocarbons are mixed with steam in a high temperature environment. Alkanes and Alkenes are both produced through this.
• Cracking Equation

  C25H52——>C20H42 + C5H10