4:17 describe how long-chain alkanes are converted to alkenes and shorter-chain alkanes by catalytic cracking (using silica or alumina as the catalyst and a temperature in the range of 600–700⁰C)

Cracking involves the thermal decomposition of long-chain alkanes into shorter-chain alkanes and alkenes:

Conditions

Temperature: 600^oC

Catalyst: aluminium oxide, Al₂O₃

Past paper questions on spec point:

Spec	Q'stion	Ans	MS
4:17	Jan '12 (2), Q 7 b i	Answer	MkS
4:17	Jan '12 (2), Q 7 b ii	Answer	MkS
4:17	Jan '14 (2), Q 5 c i	Answer	MkS
4:17	Jan '16 (1), Q 10 b ii	Answer	MkS
4:17	Jan '17 (1), Q 11 b i	Answer	MkS
4:17	May '10 (1), Q 6 c i	Answer	MkS
4:17	May '12 (1), Q 7 c	Answer	MkS
4:17	May '13 (2), Q 4 a ii	Answer	MkS
4:17	May '13 (2R), Q 5 a	Answer	MkS
4:17	May '14 (1), Q 11 a	Answer	MkS
4:17	May '14 (1), Q 11 c	Answer	MkS
4:17	May '14 (1R), Q 6 b i	Answer	MkS
4:17	May '15 (1), Q 6 d i	Answer	MkS
4:17	May '15 (1R), Q 7 c ii	Answer	MkS
4:17	May '15 (1R), Q 7 c iv	Answer	MkS
4:17	May '15 (2R), Q 2 b i	Answer	MkS
4:17	May '15 (2R), Q 2 b ii	Answer	MkS
4:17	May '15 (2R), Q 2 b iii	Answer	MkS
4:17	May '16 (1R), Q 12 b i	Answer	MkS
4:17	May '17 (1), Q 6 a	Answer	MkS
4:17	May '17 (1), Q 6 b	Answer	MkS