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Catalytic cracking of alkanes is carried out by passing the hydrocarbon vapour over a heated catalyst in the absence of air - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 11 - 2003 - Paper 1
Question 11
Catalytic cracking of alkanes is carried out by passing the hydrocarbon vapour over a heated catalyst in the absence of air. Which of the following is not a possible... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Catalytic cracking of alkanes is carried out by passing the hydrocarbon vapour over a heated catalyst in the absence of air - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 11 - 2003 - Paper 1
Step 1
Which of the following is not a possible product of the catalytic cracking of hexane?
Answer
To determine which option is not a possible product of the catalytic cracking of hexane, we must understand the process of catalytic cracking.
Catalytic cracking primarily breaks long-chain hydrocarbons into shorter ones and typically produces alkenes and alkanes. Let's evaluate each option:
A. propene: This is an alkene that can be produced from the cracking of hexane, so it is a possible product.
B. methane: Methane, being the simplest alkane, can also be a product of this process, though it is not the primary product.
C. hydrogen: Hydrogen may be released as a by-product during catalytic cracking, making it a possible outcome.
D. carbon dioxide: Under normal catalytic cracking conditions, carbon dioxide is typically not a product, as the process aims to preserve carbon structures rather than oxidize them completely.
Thus, the choice that is not a possible product of the catalytic cracking of hexane is D. carbon dioxide.