What is the Process of Heating a Hydrocarbon in the Presence of Silicates?

[Taryn]

1. I have a relatively simple question, but I can't think of the answer.
A high bp hydrocarbon (X) is obtained by the fractional distillation of crude oil. (X) is then heated in the presence of silicate materials. only 3 new hydrocarbons were from this proces.


All I want to know is what is this process called?


We thought maybe a combustion but somehow we don't think that's right coz no CO2 is prodced.

Any help would be awesome thanks!

 

[Kushal]

this is called cracking. it is usually done with the naphta fraction. the large alkane molecules break down into smaller alkanes and alkenes molecules and even hydrogen.

 

[Taryn]

cheers for that! :)