Question map
Which one of the following petroleum refinary products has the lowest boiling point ?
Explanation
In a petroleum refinery, crude oil is separated into various fractions based on their boiling points through fractional distillation. The boiling point of a hydrocarbon fraction is directly related to the length of its carbon chain; shorter chains have lower boiling points. Gasoline (petrol) typically consists of hydrocarbons with 4 to 12 carbon atoms, resulting in a boiling range of approximately 30°C to 200°C. In contrast, kerosene (C12-C15) boils between 200°C and 250°C, while diesel (C15-C18) and gas oils boil between 200°C and 350°C. Lubricating oils consist of even heavier molecules (C16-C20+) with boiling points exceeding 350°C. Therefore, among the given options, gasoline is the most volatile product with the lowest boiling point, allowing it to evaporate quickly at normal temperatures.
Sources
- [1] Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 27: Fuel and Power > Oil Refining > p. 269