Fractional Distillation of Crude Oil

Fractional distillation is the process of separating crude oil into useful fractions based on the differences in boiling points of hydrocarbons. The purpose is to obtain various products such as fuels and chemicals from crude oil.

The longer the hydrocarbon chain, the greater the intermolecular forces and thus the higher the boiling point. Shorter chain molecules have weaker intermolecular forces and lower boiling points.

The fractionating column has a heat gradient, being very hot at the bottom and cooler at the top. This gradient allows molecules with different boiling points to condense and be collected at different levels of the column.

<p>At the bottom of the column, the high temperature causes long-chain molecules with high boiling points to condense back into a liquid, which are then collected.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Products obtained include various hydrocarbon fuels, chemicals, and plastics.</p> Signup and view all the answers