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Chemistry · L3 · Why We Crack Long-Chain Hydrocarbons

Crude oil naturally yields a surplus of long chains and a shortage of short chains — cracking converts the surplus into short-chain fuel plus valuable alkene feedstock for plastics.

by @openstemUpdated Chemistry
Crude oilFractional distillationLong-chain fractions: oversuppliedShort-chain fractions: high demandShorter alkane fuelAlkene byproductFeedstock for polymers/plasticsCracking - heat + catalystCracking - heat + catalyst

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