Question

What will be the product when $C_{10}{H}_{22}$ is used in a cracking process?

Answer 1

Cracking of hydrocarbons involves thermal decomposition. This means that when larger hydrocarbons are heated they break up into smaller molecules of hydrocarbon. Firstly hydrocarbons are boiled and hydrocarbon gases is passed over hot powdered aluminium oxide catalyst. the catalyst works by providing the hydrocarbon gases with a convenient surface for the cracking to take place. Decane can be cracked to produce octane and ethene.

${C_{10}{H}_{22}}_{(}g)$ $\to$ $C_8{H}_{18}$ + $C_2{H}_4$

Octane is used as a petrol and ethene is used in the manufacture of polymers.