Question

What is pyrolysis or cracking? Explain with example. 

 

Answer 1

The decomposition of a compound by heat in the absence of air is called Pyrolysis. When pyrolysis occurs in alkanes, the process is termed cracking.
For example: 

Alkanes on heating under high temperature or in the presence of a catalyst in absence of air broken down into lower alkanes, alkenes and hydrogen.  

`2CH_4`   `HC?CH + 3H_2`