BRAINCAKEReforming
Reforming converts straight-chain alkanes into branched-chain alkanes and cyclic hydrocarbons (cycloalkanes and arenes such as benzene). The chain is rearranged, not broken into smaller pieces as in cracking.
The reason is combustion. Straight-chain alkanes in petrol tend to ignite too early in an engine, before the spark, giving uneven burning called knocking. Branched and cyclic hydrocarbons burn more smoothly and efficiently, so they are blended into petrol to improve its quality.
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More in Alkanes
- Alkanes
- Alkanes from Crude Oil
- Cracking
- Combustion of Alkanes
- Oxides of Sulfur
- Oxides of Nitrogen
- Catalytic Converters
- Alternative Fuels
All 14 lessons in Alkanes · All Edexcel AS-level Chemistry topics