Cracking of Crude Oil

When oil is fractionally

distilled it is separated into
various “fractions”
The fraction with the
smallest
molecules and the lowest
Boiling point is used for
petrol

There is a big demand for petrol. But what to do

with the rest?
 Cracking

We need a way to break the big molecules, which

nobody wants, into smaller molecules which
everybody wants
 Cracking

The crude oil is cracked by heating it strongly and passing

it over a catalyst.
 Cracking

Cracking has two important uses;

It turns big molecules into small molecules which can be
used as -------
It makes molecules with double bonds which can be
used to make ----------
Alkanes and Alkenes
 Alkenes

Alkenes are hydrocarbons with a double bond between

two of the carbon atoms. Alkenes are said to be
-------------
 A Test for Unsaturation

Bromine water is ----- in colour. When you add it to an

alkene it becomes --------. This acts as a test to see if a
compound contains double bonds.
 Polymers

Molecules with double bonds can be made to join

together to make a long chain molecule.
The small molecules are called ------------
 Polymers

Polymers are used to make plastic bags and artificial fibres

 Polymers

Some polymers have weak forces between the molecules.

These polymers can be melted and stretched into different
shapes.
 Polymers

Some polymers have strong bonds between the polymer

molecules.
These cannot be melted or shaped: they are rigid.
 Goretex

Gore-Tex is a new fabric used for waterproof clothing.

It consists of a special plastic membrane which has lots of
very tiny holes in it.
These holes are too small to let drops of rainwater through
but they are small enough to let water vapour from the
sweat on your skin through.
 Gore-Tex

These properties ensure;

That it is waterproof
That it can”breathe” i.e. it doesn’t become all hot and
sweaty inside, because the water from sweat evaporates
from your skin and it can escape.
Unlike nylon
The membrane, however, is too fragile to use on its own so
it is combined with nylon to give it strength.
 Some Problems With
Polymers
Because plastics are man-made
they are not -------------.
Therefore they last for ages and
fill up land-fill sites, taking up
valuable land which could be
used to grow crops.
You can’t burn them because
they give off toxic fumes.
It is difficult to sort out different
polymers so recycling is
difficult
Fuels

Fuels are substances that we

burn in order to give us energy.
The burning may be done inside
a car engine
Or in an oil central-heating
system.
Or in an open fire (coal)
 Combustion

The Bunsen on the left has got the air-hole closed so the
gas cannot burn properly: this is called incomplete
combustion. The flame does not give out much heat.
 Combustion

Combustion is a posh word for ---------

Combustion needs -----------
When you burn something you make two new substances;
Carbon dioxide and
Water.
 Equation for Combustion
CH4 + 2O2 = CO2 + 2H2O
This is the equation for complete combustion.
If there is a shortage of air then there is not enough
------ to make carbon dioxide and so --------- --------
(CO) is made instead.
This is dangerous because carbon monoxide is
--------
Incomplete combustion also;
Produces more soot
Produces less heat
 Incomplete Combustion

CH4 + O2 = CO + H2O

If methane is burned in a poorly maintained gas

burner then there is insufficient oxygen to make
carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide is made
instead.
Balance the equation above to show the incomplete
combustion of methane
 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fuel

How much energy do you get from it

How readily available is it (do you live near an oil
depot)
How easy is it to store e.g. compare oil and coal
How much does it cost
Is it poisonous
Does it cause pollution e.g. acid rain or greenhouse
effect
How easy is it to use