So what is CRACKING?

It is when big hydrocarbon molecules are broken down into smaller ones.  This is done by heating the hydrocarbon in the presence of a catalyst.  This is a form of thermal decomposition.  The catalyst helps to speed up the reaction.

Hot vapour of hydrocarbons is passed over powdered aluminium oxide catalyst at roughly 400ºC - 700ºC.  The long carbon chain molecules break apart or 'crack' on the surface of the powered catalyst.

Cracking produces short-chain hydrocarbons called alkanes, like petrol and  alkenes, like ethene and propene.  These alkenes are very reactive due to their double bonds and therefore can be used to make other substances.  Ethene, for example can be used to make ethanol and polythene.