How does fractional distillation work?

Different length hydrocarbon chains are separated by their different boiling points as longer chains will have stronger intermolecular attractions. The crude oil is heated and injected into the base of the column which is therefore hottest at the bottom and coolest at the top, and compounds with the lowest boiling points will rise further and be collected as they condense towards the top of the column. Hydrocarbons with a very high boiling point will remain in liquid or solid phase and are collected in the base of the column as bitumen. 

BS
Answered by Bianca S. Chemistry tutor

4727 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain the molecular structure of CH4 (methane)


How can I test to see if a sample a metal contains potassium?


Explain why potassium is more reactive than sodium, giving the balanced chemical symbol equation for the reaction of potassium and water.


Put these elements in ascending order of reactivity: Sodium, carbon, aluminium, copper, zinc, and then using your answer explain which elements can be extracted from their ores by carbon.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning