Fractional Distillation of Crude Oil

Overview

• Crude oil: A finite resource that can be separated into more useful components through fractional distillation.
• Fractional distillation: Separation method where crude oil is distilled and components are collected as they condense at various temperatures.
• Useful fractions: Groups of hydrocarbons with similar sizes and boiling points.

Process of Fractional Distillation

• Fractionating column: Apparatus used, hot at bottom and cools towards the top.
  • Heated crude oil enters the column.
  • Vapors rise and condense at different heights based on temperature.
  • Liquids are collected at various levels as they condense.

Properties of Hydrocarbons

• Intermolecular forces: Weaker forces between molecules, affecting boiling/melting points.
  • Longer hydrocarbons: Stronger intermolecular forces, higher boiling points, less volatile, less flammable.
  • Shorter hydrocarbons: Weaker intermolecular forces, lower boiling points, highly volatile, very flammable.
• Fraction hierarchy:
  • Longest hydrocarbons: High boiling points, leave as hot liquid (bitumen).
  • Shortest hydrocarbons: Very low boiling points, remain as gas.

Memorization Tip

• Good Penguins Never Keep Diving For Broccoli (Mnemonic to remember fraction names).

Additional Resources

• Uses of crude oil
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