Which catalyst is used during industrial cracking?

Which catalyst is used during industrial cracking?

• A. Nickel
• B. Aluminium oxide
• C. Platinum
• D. Iron oxide

Answer: (B)

Cracking relies on a solid acid catalyst that provides acidic sites on the surface to help break long hydrocarbon chains into smaller ones. Aluminium oxide is a good fit because its surface acts as a solid acid, with sites that protonate and weaken C–C bonds, allowing cracking to happen more readily at industrial temperatures. It’s also stable under the harsh conditions of a cracker and commonly used as a catalyst or support in these processes. In contrast, nickel and platinum are metals linked to hydrogenation or reforming reactions rather than the typical C–C bond-breaking in cracking, and iron oxide isn’t a practical or effective cracking catalyst. So aluminium oxide best matches what’s needed for industrial cracking.

Cracking relies on a solid acid catalyst that provides acidic sites on the surface to help break long hydrocarbon chains into smaller ones. Aluminium oxide is a good fit because its surface acts as a solid acid, with sites that protonate and weaken C–C bonds, allowing cracking to happen more readily at industrial temperatures. It’s also stable under the harsh conditions of a cracker and commonly used as a catalyst or support in these processes. In contrast, nickel and platinum are metals linked to hydrogenation or reforming reactions rather than the typical C–C bond-breaking in cracking, and iron oxide isn’t a practical or effective cracking catalyst. So aluminium oxide best matches what’s needed for industrial cracking.