Cracking is important in oil refining because it breaks down larger hydrocarbon molecules into smaller, more valuable ones such as gasoline and diesel. This process increases the overall yield of high-demand products and helps to optimize the use of crude oil feedstock. Additionally, cracking can improve the efficiency and profitability of the refining process.
The process is called cracking, where high-molecular-weight hydrocarbons are broken down into smaller molecules. This can be done through thermal cracking (heating the hydrocarbons at high temperatures) or catalytic cracking (using a catalyst to speed up the reaction). The smaller hydrocarbons produced, such as gasoline and diesel, are important components of fuels.
Carbonium ion process
Carbonium ion process
Cracking of petroleum is a chemical process.
Cracking
Cracking
This chemical process is called cracking.
The process you are referring to is called chemical degradation or breakdown. By breaking down larger molecules into smaller, more useful molecules, this process helps to release energy, provide building blocks for biosynthesis, or allow for easier excretion of waste products. Key examples include digestion of food in the body or breakdown of organic matter in composting.
In science, cracking typically refers to breaking down larger hydrocarbon molecules into smaller ones. The conditions used for cracking involve high temperatures (500-900°C) and a catalyst such as zeolite to accelerate the reaction. This process is important in the petrochemical industry for producing fuels like gasoline.
"Cat cracking" is the process used to break crude oil down into gasoline, kerosene, adn fuel oils.
When fats are repeatedly heated, they undergo a process called oxidation. This results in the breakdown of the fat molecules and the formation of harmful compounds such as free radicals, which can be damaging to health. Over time, this process can lead to the degradation of the fat quality and the generation of off-flavors in the food.