What does the term ‘cracking’ mean, and why is it done?
Briefly describe how hydrocarbons would be cracked.
Write a balanced equation for the cracking of tetradecane, $\text{C}_{14}\text{H}_{30}$, to form heptane, $\text{C}_7\text{H}_{16}$.
Ethanol, $\text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{OH}$, boils at a higher temperature than $\text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{SH}$. Give a reason for this difference.
Write a balanced equation for the burning of ethanethiol in excess air, producing three oxides of different elements.
Two of the oxides produced cause serious environmental harm. For each of these oxides, identify the pollution type it causes and describe one consequence of that pollution.
A small amount of ethanethiol is added to liquefied gases such as butane, which are commonly used in portable cooking stoves. Suggest a reason for this.
Sulfur-containing compounds are taken out of oil products at the refinery. The sulfur is recovered and converted into $\text{SO}_2$, which is then used in the Contact process. State the main operating conditions for the formation of $\text{SO}_3$ in the Contact process.