The GATE Grind

GATE 2024 CH – Question 29

Chemical Technology · Petroleum refining and petrochemicals · 1 mark · Multiple select

Which of the following statements with reference to the petroleum/petrochemical industry is/are correct?

  1. Catalytic hydrocracking converts heavier hydrocarbons to lighter hydrocarbons.
  2. Catalytic reforming converts straight-chain hydrocarbons to aromatics.
  3. Cumene is manufactured by the catalytic alkylation of benzene with propylene.
  4. Vinyl acetate is manufactured by reacting methane with acetic acid over a palladium catalyst.

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Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (A) Catalytic hydrocracking converts heavier hydrocarbons to lighter hydrocarbons.; (B) Catalytic reforming converts straight-chain hydrocarbons to aromatics.; (C) Cumene is manufactured by the catalytic alkylation of benzene with propylene.

Explanation

Hydrocracking breaks heavy molecules into lighter ones in the presence of hydrogen (A). Reforming cyclises and dehydrogenates paraffins to aromatics (B). Cumene comes from the alkylation of benzene with propylene (C). Vinyl acetate is made from ethylene, acetic acid and oxygen over a palladium catalyst, not from methane (D is false).