The Cracking Of Hexane Can Produce Two Hydrocarbons That Each Contain Two Carbon Atoms. The Molecular Formulae For These Two Hydrocarbons Are C 2 H 6 C_2H_6 C 2 ​ H 6 ​ And C 2 H 4 C_2H_4 C 2 ​ H 4 ​ , Respectively. A. Use Structural Formulae To Write A Balanced

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The Cracking of Hexane: Understanding the Formation of C2H6 and C2H4

Hexane, a hydrocarbon with the molecular formula C6H14, is a common component of petroleum products. When hexane undergoes cracking, a process that involves the breaking of chemical bonds to form smaller molecules, it can produce two hydrocarbons that each contain two carbon atoms. These hydrocarbons have the molecular formulae C2H6 and C2H4, respectively. In this article, we will explore the structural formulae of these two hydrocarbons and discuss the process of cracking hexane to produce them.

Structural Formulae of C2H6 and C2H4

The structural formula of a molecule is a representation of its molecular structure, showing the arrangement of atoms and the bonds between them. The structural formulae of C2H6 and C2H4 are as follows:

  • C2H6 (Ethane)

    H - C - C - H
|   |
H   H
    • C2H4 (Ethylene)
    H - C = C - H
|   |
H   H

Balanced Chemical Equation for the Cracking of Hexane

To write a balanced chemical equation for the cracking of hexane, we need to consider the reactants and products involved in the process. The reactant is hexane (C6H14), and the products are ethane (C2H6) and ethylene (C2H4). The balanced chemical equation for the cracking of hexane is as follows:

C6H14 → C2H6 + C2H4

However, this equation is not balanced, as it does not account for the number of hydrogen atoms on both sides of the equation. To balance the equation, we need to add hydrogen atoms to the reactant side to match the number of hydrogen atoms on the product side.

C6H14 + H2 → C2H6 + C2H4

This balanced chemical equation shows that the cracking of hexane requires the addition of hydrogen gas (H2) to produce ethane and ethylene.

Mechanism of the Cracking of Hexane

The cracking of hexane is a complex process that involves the breaking of chemical bonds to form smaller molecules. The mechanism of the cracking of hexane can be explained as follows:

  1. Initiation: The cracking of hexane begins with the initiation step, where a high-energy molecule, such as a free radical, is formed. This free radical can be generated through various means, including the presence of a catalyst or the application of heat.
  2. Propagation: Once the initiation step is complete, the free radical can propagate the cracking reaction by breaking the chemical bonds in the hexane molecule. This results in the formation of smaller molecules, including ethane and ethylene.
  3. Termination: The cracking reaction is terminated when the free radical is consumed or when the reaction is quenched by the addition of a substance that can neutralize the free radical.

Importance of the Cracking of Hexane

The cracking of hexane is an important process in the petroleum industry, as it allows for the production of valuable hydrocarbons, such as ethane and ethylene. These hydrocarbons can be used as feedstocks for the production of various chemicals, including plastics, fuels, and other industrial products.

In conclusion, the cracking of hexane can produce two hydrocarbons that each contain two carbon atoms, namely ethane (C2H6) and ethylene (C2H4). The structural formulae of these hydrocarbons have been discussed, and a balanced chemical equation for the cracking of hexane has been presented. The mechanism of the cracking of hexane has also been explained, highlighting the importance of the initiation, propagation, and termination steps in the process. The cracking of hexane is a complex process that has significant implications for the petroleum industry and the production of valuable hydrocarbons.

In our previous article, we discussed the cracking of hexane, a process that involves the breaking of chemical bonds to form smaller molecules. The cracking of hexane can produce two hydrocarbons that each contain two carbon atoms, namely ethane (C2H6) and ethylene (C2H4). In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about the cracking of hexane.

Q: What is the cracking of hexane?

A: The cracking of hexane is a process that involves the breaking of chemical bonds in the hexane molecule to form smaller molecules, including ethane and ethylene.

Q: What are the products of the cracking of hexane?

A: The products of the cracking of hexane are ethane (C2H6) and ethylene (C2H4).

Q: What is the balanced chemical equation for the cracking of hexane?

A: The balanced chemical equation for the cracking of hexane is:

C6H14 + H2 → C2H6 + C2H4

Q: What is the mechanism of the cracking of hexane?

A: The mechanism of the cracking of hexane involves the initiation, propagation, and termination steps. The initiation step involves the formation of a high-energy molecule, such as a free radical. The propagation step involves the breaking of chemical bonds in the hexane molecule to form smaller molecules. The termination step involves the consumption of the free radical or the quenching of the reaction.

Q: Why is the cracking of hexane important?

A: The cracking of hexane is important because it allows for the production of valuable hydrocarbons, such as ethane and ethylene. These hydrocarbons can be used as feedstocks for the production of various chemicals, including plastics, fuels, and other industrial products.

Q: What are the conditions required for the cracking of hexane?

A: The conditions required for the cracking of hexane include high temperatures, high pressures, and the presence of a catalyst.

Q: What are the advantages of the cracking of hexane?

A: The advantages of the cracking of hexane include the production of valuable hydrocarbons, the ability to produce a wide range of products, and the flexibility to adjust the process to meet changing market demands.

Q: What are the disadvantages of the cracking of hexane?

A: The disadvantages of the cracking of hexane include the high energy requirements, the need for a catalyst, and the potential for environmental hazards.

Q: How does the cracking of hexane compare to other refining processes?

A: The cracking of hexane is a complex process that involves the breaking of chemical bonds to form smaller molecules. It is similar to other refining processes, such as cracking and reforming, but it has some unique characteristics that set it apart.

In conclusion, the cracking of hexane is a complex process that involves the breaking of chemical bonds to form smaller molecules. It is an important process in the petroleum industry, allowing for the production of valuable hydrocarbons, such as ethane and ethylene. We hope that this Q&A guide has provided you with a better understanding of the cracking of hexane and its importance in the petroleum industry.