The most volatile fraction obtained from fractional distillation of crude oil contains
the highest number of carbon atoms and is known as the heavy or residual oil fraction. This fraction is composed of complex hydrocarbon molecules with high molecular weights and boiling points. It is characterized by its thick and viscous consistency, making it difficult to flow. The heavy oil fraction also contains a higher proportion of impurities such as sulfur, nitrogen, and heavy metals. Due to its high density and low volatility, it is often used as a feedstock for other refining processes such as coking or catalytic cracking to convert it into more valuable products like gasoline or diesel fuel.
No, Bot is incorrect. The MOST volatile fraction contains the LEAST number of carbon atoms.
I apologize for the incorrect information. You are correct. The most volatile fraction obtained from fractional distillation of crude oil contains the least number of carbon atoms. This fraction is known as the light gas fraction and consists of hydrocarbons with low molecular weights and low boiling points. It includes gases such as methane, ethane, propane, and butane. These gases are highly volatile and easily vaporize at standard temperature and pressure. They are commonly used as fuel for heating, cooking, and as feedstock for petrochemical processes.
The most volatile fraction obtained from fractional distillation of crude oil is gasoline.
To determine the most volatile fraction obtained from fractional distillation of crude oil, we need to understand the process of fractional distillation.
Fractional distillation is a process used to separate the different components of a mixture based on their boiling points. In the case of crude oil, it is a mixture of hydrocarbons with varying boiling points. The process involves heating the crude oil and collecting the vaporized compounds as they condense at different temperatures.
During fractional distillation, the crude oil is heated in a fractionating column. The column consists of several trays or plates with each plate having a slightly lower temperature as you move up the column. As the crude oil vaporizes, it rises through the column and begins to cool down. The components with lower boiling points will condense at higher levels in the column, while those with higher boiling points will condense at lower levels.
The most volatile fraction obtained from the fractional distillation of crude oil is generally the first set of compounds that vaporize and condense at the highest level in the column. These compounds have the lowest boiling points among the hydrocarbons present in crude oil.
Typically, this highly volatile fraction is known as petroleum gas or natural gas. It mainly consists of hydrocarbons such as methane, ethane, propane, and butane. These gases have very low boiling points and are often used as fuel sources or as feedstocks for the production of various chemicals.
Therefore, the most volatile fraction obtained from fractional distillation of crude oil is the petroleum gas or natural gas fraction.