Fractional Distillation of Crude Oil H H

H C C H
Fractions of crude oil: H H
 Crude oil is a mixture of __________________ with Ethane – short chain
different carbon __________ lengths. Low boiling point
 Each hydrocarbon vaporises/condenses at
______________ temperatures.
 Long-chain hydrocarbons boil/condense at
__________ temperatures than short-chain H H H H
hydrocarbons. H C C C C H
 This can be used to separate crude oil into useful
H H H H
__________ by fractional distillation.
Butane – longer chain
 A fraction is a mixture of hydrocarbons with Higher boiling point
similar chain lengths and therefore __________
boiling points.

chain fractions different higher hydrocarbons vaporised similar

In a fractionating column:
 The oil is vaporised and allowed to condense at a number of different
temperatures.
1. The oil is __________ in a furnace and the hot gas is passed up a
__________ column which is __________ at the bottom and
__________ at the top.
2. As the fractions cool down to their boiling points they __________ out,
collect in trays and can be piped out.
3. Short-chain fractions like __________ condense near the top. Long-
chain fractions like engine oil condense near the __________ .

bottom condense cool fractionating hot petrol vaporised

Extension: Uses & Properties of Fractions

The properties of the fractions (volatility, flammability, viscosity) relate to their
uses.
1. What property would you look for in camping gas? Suggest a fraction to use.

2. Why might diesel be safer than petrol as a fuel?

3. Why are high-boiling point fractions used for lubrication?

Fractionation of Crude Oil
In the right hand columns label & draw arrows to show: smallest moleculeslargest molecules lowest bp  highest bp
least viscousmost viscous least flammablemost flammable lighter  darker

Size of molecule Boiling point Viscosity Flammability Colour

Refinery Gases
(LPG)

Gasoline
( )

Kerosene
( )