CAIE A Level Chemistry 9701 · Hydrocarbons
Hexadecane, , is a straight-chain alkane found in the kerosene fraction of crude oil. A sample of hexadecane is heated strongly with aluminium oxide, , in the absence of air.
One of the products is octane, , which is a component of petrol.
Suggest why this cracking process is carried out industrially, and suggest one other product, other than octane, that could be formed in this reaction. In your answer, explain why the reaction conditions are necessary.
6 marks, so the mark scheme is looking for about 6 separate creditworthy points. Making the same point twice in different words earns it once.
Suggest means: Apply what you know to an unfamiliar situation. There may be more than one acceptable answer. Reason from the principle you have learned to the new context, and say which principle you are using.
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