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Products from crude oilWhat you need to know |
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Products from crude oilCrackingIn order to meet the high demand for useful fractions such as petrol, longer (low demand/ high supply) hydrocarbon chains are broken down using heat (800°C) and a catalyst, into these shorter chained hydrocarbons. This is a thermal decomposition reaction (breaking down substance using heat). Cracking produces an alkane and alkene from cracking a large alkane hydrocarbon. For example, Decane --> Octane + Ethene Alkanes versus alkenes
Due to the presence of the double C=C bond (unsaturated), alkenes are more reactive. To test for unsaturated C=C bond, bromine water is used which changes from orange/yellow to a clear and colourless solution (decolurised). PolymerisationMaking large polymer chains (many units) from many small monomers (single unit) bonded together. New types of polymersNew types of polymers have been developed that changes in response to its environment called smart polymers. Shape memory polymersThese are used to stitch a wound loosely, and heat from your body temperature causes the polymer to tighten and close the wound. The polymers are designed to dissolve to reduce the need to get the stitch removed. Light-sensitive plastersThe polymer in the plaster reacts when exposed to light so that it becomes less sticky and therefore easier to remove from the skin and hairs. HydrogelsHydrogels contain polymer that absorbs water. These polymers are used in disposable nappies, water crystals for plants and hair gel. Plastic wastePlastics are made from crude oil, which is running out (finite). Disadvantages of plastic disposal methodsLandfillLarge areas for landfill sites are needed and they are running out. Many plastics are non-biodegradable (doesn’t break down in the environment). Burning/incinerationReleases toxic chemicals into atmosphere. Volume of waste is reduced but the ash produced can be toxic. RecyclingHigh fuel costs due to transportation as well production of greenhouse gases which can cause global warming. High cost involved in sorting plastics before they are recycled. Some plastics cannot be recycled. Bio-plastics: These are generally a mix of traditional oil based plastic and plant based (usually corn starch) plastic. Plastic is strong and biodegradable. This helps preserve oil supplies which is the raw material for plastics. However, as they are crop based problems such as the amount of crops grown for food decreases which can cause food prices to skyrocket. Furthermore, some bioplastics will only break down when exposed to light and not underground. EthanolEthanol can be produced from ethene or fermentation of plant materials.
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Describe how useful substances can be obtained from crude oil Describe the process of polymerisation Ethanol can be produced in two different ways: |