Thermal Cracking
What is Thermal Cracking?
Thermal cracking is a petroleum refining process in which large hydrocarbon molecules (found in heavy fractions of crude oil) are broken into smaller, more valuable molecules by the application of high temperatures (450–750°C) and pressures in the absence of a catalyst. The process generates alkenes (olefins) and smaller alkanes by homolytic C–C bond cleavage through a free-radical mechanism. Thermal cracking is used to increase the yield of gasoline, ethylene, and propylene from crude oil fractions.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Thermal cracking is a petroleum refining process in which large hydrocarbon molecules (found in heavy fractions of crude oil) are broken into smaller, more valuable molecules by the application of high temperatures (450–750°C) and pressures in the absence of a catalyst. The process generates alkenes (olefins) and smaller alkanes by homolytic C–C bond cleavage through a free-radical mechanism. Thermal cracking is used to increase the yield of gasoline, ethylene, and propylene from crude oil fractions.