Question

Crude oil is a mixture of hydrocarbons which are separated by fractional distillation. One of the components obtained contains an alkane A, with eleven carbon atoms.

1. Write the molecular formula of A 
2. Pentane can be obtained from compound A as shown
   A → Pentane + B
   • Give the name of this conversion process.  
   • State the conditions used in this process.  
   • Give the name of compound B. 

Answer 1

1. C11 H24 / CH3(CH2)9CH2
2.    
   • Cracking /Catalytic/ Thermal cracking
   •   
     • High temperatures  400-700°C/Heat
     • High pressure(70 atmospheres)
     • Catalyst (Zeolite catalyst/Silica catalyst/Alumina catalyst)
   • Hexene (C6 H12 )(Hex-1-ene/Hex-2-ene/Hex-3-ene.)