{"id":4823,"date":"2026-06-03T06:24:29","date_gmt":"2026-06-03T05:24:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/crude-oil\/fractional-distillation\/"},"modified":"2026-10-25T12:11:01","modified_gmt":"2026-10-25T12:11:01","slug":"fractional-distillation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/crude-oil\/fractional-distillation\/","title":{"rendered":"Fractional Distillation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section class=\"ols-revision-page ols-fractional-distillation-page\">\n  <style>\n    .ols-revision-page {\n      --navy: #1C244B;\n      --blue: #2563eb;\n      --soft-blue: #eef4ff;\n      --soft-red: #fff7f7;\n      --soft-purple: #f7f0ff;\n      --soft-green: #f0f7f1;\n      --soft-yellow: #fff8e6;\n      --red: #c81e1e;\n      --gold: #c9973a;\n      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ease,\n      box-shadow 0.22s ease;\n  }\n\n  .ols-linkedin-pill::before{\n    content:\"\";\n    position:absolute;\n    top:0;\n    left:-120%;\n    width:100%;\n    height:100%;\n    background:linear-gradient(\n      120deg,\n      rgba(255,255,255,0) 0%,\n      rgba(255,255,255,0.28) 50%,\n      rgba(255,255,255,0) 100%\n    );\n    transition:left 0.7s ease;\n  }\n\n  .ols-linkedin-pill:hover{\n    color:#ffffff !important;\n    transform:translateY(-3px) scale(1.03);\n    box-shadow:\n      0 16px 34px rgba(10,102,194,0.34),\n      0 0 0 6px rgba(10,102,194,0.10);\n  }\n\n  .ols-linkedin-pill:hover::before{\n    left:120%;\n  }\n\n  .ols-linkedin-icon{\n    width:18px;\n    height:18px;\n    display:block;\n    flex-shrink:0;\n  }\n\n  @media (max-width:640px){\n\n    .ols-author{\n      align-items:flex-start;\n      padding:22px 18px;\n      border-radius:22px;\n    }\n\n    .ols-author-avatar-img{\n      width:72px;\n      height:72px;\n    }\n\n    .ols-author-title{\n      font-size:24px;\n    }\n\n    .ols-author-description{\n      font-size:15px;\n    }\n  }\n\n  .ols-linkedin-pill:hover, .ols-linkedin-pill:focus { color:#ffffff !important; }\n\n<\/style>\n\n  <aside class=\"ols-sidebar\">\r\n  <div class=\"ols-sidebar-header\">\r\n    <h3>Revision Notes<\/h3>\r\n    <p>A Level Chemistry<\/p>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"ols-topic-group\">\r\n    <h4>Topic 6 Organic Chemistry I<\/h4>\r\n\r\n    <ul class=\"ols-topic-list\">\r\n\r\n      <li>\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/introduction-to-organic-chemistry\/\">Introduction to Organic Chemistry<\/a>\r\n\r\n        <ul class=\"ols-subtopic-list\">\r\n          <li>\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/introduction-to-organic-chemistry\/iupac-rules\/\">IUPAC Rules<\/a>\r\n          <\/li>\r\n          <li>\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/introduction-to-organic-chemistry\/alkene\/\">Alkene<\/a>\r\n          <\/li>\r\n          <li>\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/introduction-to-organic-chemistry\/alcohol\/\">Alcohol<\/a>\r\n          <\/li>\r\n          <li>\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/introduction-to-organic-chemistry\/halogenoalkanes\/\">Halogenoalkanes<\/a>\r\n          <\/li>\r\n          <li>\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/introduction-to-organic-chemistry\/aldehyde\/\">Aldehyde<\/a>\r\n          <\/li>\r\n          <li>\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/introduction-to-organic-chemistry\/ketone\/\">Ketone<\/a>\r\n          <\/li>\r\n          <li>\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/introduction-to-organic-chemistry\/carboxylic-acid\/\">Carboxylic Acid<\/a>\r\n          <\/li>\r\n          <li>\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/introduction-to-organic-chemistry\/ester\/\">Ester<\/a>\r\n          <\/li>\r\n          <li>\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/introduction-to-organic-chemistry\/isomerism\/\">Isomerism<\/a>\r\n          <\/li>\r\n        <\/ul>\r\n      <\/li>\r\n\r\n      <li>\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/\">Alkanes<\/a>\r\n\r\n        <ul class=\"ols-subtopic-list\">\r\n          <li>\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/crude-oil\/\">Alkanes from Crude Oil<\/a>\r\n\r\n            <ul class=\"ols-subtopic-list\">\r\n              <li>\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/crude-oil\/fractional-distillation\/\">Fractional Distillation<\/a>\r\n              <\/li>\r\n              <li>\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/crude-oil\/cracking\/\">Cracking<\/a>\r\n              <\/li>\r\n              <li>\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/crude-oil\/reforming\/\">Reforming<\/a>\r\n              <\/li>\r\n            <\/ul>\r\n          <\/li>\r\n\r\n          <li>\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/fuel\/\">Alkanes as Fuel<\/a>\r\n\r\n            <ul class=\"ols-subtopic-list\">\r\n              <li>\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/fuel\/combustion\/\">Combustion<\/a>\r\n              <\/li>\r\n              <li>\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/fuel\/oxides-of-sulfur\/\">Oxides of Sulfur<\/a>\r\n              <\/li>\r\n              <li>\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/fuel\/oxides-of-nitrogen\/\">Oxides of Nitrogen<\/a>\r\n              <\/li>\r\n              <li>\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/fuel\/catalytic-converter\/\">Catalytic Converter<\/a>\r\n              <\/li>\r\n            <\/ul>\r\n          <\/li>\r\n\r\n          <li>\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/alternative-fuel\/\">Alternative Fuel<\/a>\r\n          <\/li>\r\n\r\n          <li>\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/reactions\/\">Reactions of Alkanes<\/a>\r\n\r\n            <ul class=\"ols-subtopic-list\">\r\n              <li>\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/reactions\/free-radical-substitution\/\">Free Radical Substitution<\/a>\r\n              <\/li>\r\n              <li>\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/reactions\/initiation\/\">Initiation<\/a>\r\n              <\/li>\r\n              <li>\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/reactions\/propagation\/\">Propagation<\/a>\r\n              <\/li>\r\n              <li>\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/reactions\/termination\/\">Termination<\/a>\r\n              <\/li>\r\n              <li>\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/reactions\/further-substitution\/\">Further Substitution<\/a>\r\n              <\/li>\r\n            <\/ul>\r\n          <\/li>\r\n        <\/ul>\r\n      <\/li>\r\n\r\n      <li>\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkenes\/\">Alkenes<\/a>\r\n\r\n        <ul class=\"ols-subtopic-list\">\r\n          <li>\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkenes\/alkene-bonding\/\">Alkene Bonding<\/a>\r\n          <\/li>\r\n          <li>\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkenes\/geometric-isomerism\/\">Geometric Isomerism<\/a>\r\n          <\/li>\r\n          <li>\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkenes\/electrophilic-addition-mechanism\/\">Electrophilic Addition Mechanism<\/a>\r\n          <\/li>\r\n\r\n          <li>\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkenes\/reactions-of-alkenes\/\">Reactions of Alkenes<\/a>\r\n\r\n            <ul class=\"ols-subtopic-list\">\r\n              <li>\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkenes\/reactions-of-alkenes\/halogens\/\">Halogens<\/a>\r\n              <\/li>\r\n              <li>\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkenes\/reactions-of-alkenes\/hydrogen-halide\/\">Hydrogen Halide<\/a>\r\n              <\/li>\r\n              <li>\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkenes\/reactions-of-alkenes\/bromine-water\/\">Bromine Water<\/a>\r\n              <\/li>\r\n              <li>\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkenes\/reactions-of-alkenes\/hydrogen\/\">Hydrogen<\/a>\r\n              <\/li>\r\n              <li>\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkenes\/reactions-of-alkenes\/steam\/\">Steam<\/a>\r\n              <\/li>\r\n              <li>\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkenes\/reactions-of-alkenes\/kmno4\/\">KMnO4<\/a>\r\n              <\/li>\r\n            <\/ul>\r\n          <\/li>\r\n\r\n          <li>\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkenes\/polymerisation-reactions\/\">Polymerisation Reactions<\/a>\r\n          <\/li>\r\n          <li>\r\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkenes\/polymer-waste\/\">Polymer Waste<\/a>\r\n          <\/li>\r\n        <\/ul>\r\n      <\/li>\r\n\r\n      <li>\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/halogenoalkanes\/\">Halogenoalkanes<\/a>\r\n      <\/li>\r\n\r\n      <li>\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alcohols\/\">Alcohols<\/a>\r\n      <\/li>\r\n\r\n    <\/ul>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"ols-topic-group\">\r\n    <h4>Next Topics<\/h4>\r\n\r\n    <ul class=\"ols-topic-list\">\r\n      <li>\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-7-modern-analytical-techniques-i\/\">Topic 7 Modern Analytical Techniques I<\/a>\r\n      <\/li>\r\n      <li>\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-5-formulae-equations-and-amounts-of-substance\/\">Topic 5 Formulae, Equations &amp; Amounts<\/a>\r\n      <\/li>\r\n      <li>\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-4-inorganic-chemistry-and-the-periodic-table\/\">Topic 4 Inorganic Chemistry &amp; The Periodic Table<\/a>\r\n      <\/li>\r\n    <\/ul>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/aside>\r\n\r\n<script>\r\n(function() {\r\n  function normalisePath(path) {\r\n    return String(path || '')\r\n      .split('?')[0]\r\n      .split('#')[0]\r\n      .replace(\/\\\/+$\/, '')\r\n      .toLowerCase();\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  function highlightActive() {\r\n    var sidebar = document.querySelector('.ols-sidebar');\r\n    if (!sidebar) return false;\r\n\r\n    var currentPath = normalisePath(window.location.pathname);\r\n    var links = sidebar.querySelectorAll('a[href]');\r\n    var matched = null;\r\n    var matchedLength = 0;\r\n\r\n    sidebar.querySelectorAll('.active, .active-main, .parent-active').forEach(function(item) {\r\n      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\/\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/\">Alkanes<\/a> \/\n        <span>Fractional Distillation<\/span>\n      <\/nav>\n\n      <header class=\"ols-title-card\">\n        <h1>Fractional Distillation<\/h1>\n        <p class=\"ols-page-intro\">A concise revision guide to how crude oil is separated into useful petroleum fractions by fractional distillation, including the role of boiling temperature, molecular size and London forces.<\/p>\n\n        <div class=\"ols-badges\">\n          <div class=\"ols-badge\">Paper 2<\/div>\n          <div class=\"ols-badge\">Topic 6: Organic Chemistry I<\/div>\n          <div class=\"ols-badge\">9CH0\/02<\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/header>\n<!-- 3D card: fractionating-column (5 Oct 2026, Topics 1-5 upgrade) -->\n<!-- Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Mohammed Al-Fatah, onlinelearningsystem.net. 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text-align:center; font-size:11px; font-style:italic; color:#aab0c0;\n}\n.ols-cc-frcn-001 a{color:#aab0c0; text-decoration:none;}\n.ols-cc-frcn-001 a:hover{text-decoration:underline;}\n.ols-frcn-001 .frcn-seg button{display:inline-flex; align-items:center;}\n.ols-frcn-001 .frcn-seg button .frcn-n{display:inline-flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center; width:20px; height:20px; margin-right:9px; border-radius:50%; font-size:11px; font-weight:600; background:rgba(37,99,235,0.10); color:#2563eb; flex:0 0 auto;}\n.ols-frcn-001 .frcn-seg button[aria-pressed=\"true\"] .frcn-n{background:#ffffff; color:#2563eb;}\n<\/style>\n\n<div class=\"frcn-head\">\n  <h2 class=\"frcn-title\">Fractionating Column in Action<\/h2>\n  <p class=\"frcn-sub\">Choose a step to follow crude oil from the furnace up the column, and see where molecules of different chain lengths condense and leave.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"frcn-stage\" id=\"frcnStage\">\n  <canvas class=\"frcn-canvas\" id=\"frcnCanvas\"><\/canvas>\n  <div class=\"frcn-overlay\" id=\"frcnOverlay\"><\/div>\n  <div class=\"frcn-caption\" id=\"frcnCaption\"><\/div>\n  <div class=\"frcn-hint\" id=\"frcnHint\">Drag to rotate<\/div>\n  <div class=\"frcn-badges\" id=\"frcnBadges\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"frcn-controls\">\n  <div class=\"frcn-row\">\n    <span class=\"frcn-rowlab\">Step<\/span>\n    <div class=\"frcn-seg\" role=\"group\" aria-label=\"Step\">\n      <button type=\"button\" data-step=\"1\" aria-pressed=\"true\"><span class=\"frcn-n\">1<\/span>Crude oil is vaporised<\/button>\n      <button type=\"button\" data-step=\"2\" aria-pressed=\"false\"><span class=\"frcn-n\">2<\/span>Vapour rises, column cools<\/button>\n      <button type=\"button\" data-step=\"3\" aria-pressed=\"false\"><span class=\"frcn-n\">3<\/span>Molecules condense by size<\/button>\n      <button type=\"button\" data-step=\"4\" aria-pressed=\"false\"><span class=\"frcn-n\">4<\/span>Fractions are drawn off<\/button>\n      <button type=\"button\" data-step=\"5\" aria-pressed=\"false\"><span class=\"frcn-n\">5<\/span>Residue leaves the base<\/button>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"frcn-row\">\n    <span class=\"frcn-rowlab\">View<\/span>\n    <button type=\"button\" class=\"frcn-pill\" id=\"frcnResetV\">Reset view<\/button>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"frcn-info\">\n  <h3 id=\"frcnInfoTitle\"><\/h3>\n  <p id=\"frcnInfoText\"><\/p>\n  <div class=\"frcn-facts\" id=\"frcnFacts\"><\/div>\n  <div class=\"frcn-key\">\n    <span><i style=\"background:#464a54\"><\/i>Carbon chain (hydrogens not shown)<\/span>\n    <span><i style=\"background:#f08c3c\"><\/i>Hot (bottom)<\/span>\n    <span><i style=\"background:#5a96e6\"><\/i>Cooler (top)<\/span>\n    <span><i style=\"background:#e6b850\"><\/i>Condensed fraction<\/span>\n    <span><i style=\"background:#3a2a1e\"><\/i>Bitumen residue<\/span>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/wp-content\/uploads\/JS\/fractionating-column.js?v=20261025p\"><\/script>\n<\/section>\n\n<p class=\"ols-cc-frcn-001\">&copy; Dr. Mohammed Al-Fatah &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">onlinelearningsystem.net<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n      \n<section class=\"ols-h5p-card ols-h5p-inline ols-h5p-recap\">\n<span class=\"ols-h5p-kicker\">Before you start<\/span>\n<h2>GCSE Recap: Separating Liquids by Boiling Point<\/h2>\n<p>Start with the GCSE ideas about distillation and boiling points.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ols-h5p-frame\"><div class=\"h5p-content\" data-content-id=\"698\"><\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<article class=\"ols-note-card soft\">\n        <div class=\"ols-note-title\">\n          <div class=\"ols-note-icon\">1<\/div>\n          <h2>Alkanes, Crude Oil and Petroleum Fractions<\/h2>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <p><strong>Alkanes<\/strong> are saturated hydrocarbons. They contain only carbon and hydrogen atoms, and they contain only single carbon-carbon bonds.<\/p>\n        <p>The general formula is <strong>C<sub>n<\/sub>H<sub>2n+2<\/sub><\/strong>, where <strong>n<\/strong> is the number of carbon atoms in the molecule.<\/p>\n<p>It fits <strong>branched<\/strong> alkanes just as well as straight-chain ones. The only alkanes it does not fit are cycloalkanes, whose carbon chain is joined into a ring.<\/p>\n        <p>Alkanes are mainly obtained from <strong>crude oil<\/strong>. Crude oil is a complex mixture made up mainly of <strong>alkane hydrocarbons<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n        <div class=\"ols-definition-box\">\n          <div class=\"ols-definition-circle\">Fraction<\/div>\n          <p><strong>Petroleum fraction:<\/strong> a collection of hydrocarbons with a similar chain length and therefore a similar range of boiling temperatures.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"ols-key-box\">\n          <p><strong>Key idea:<\/strong> Fractional distillation does not separate crude oil into single pure compounds. It separates crude oil into groups of hydrocarbons with similar boiling temperature ranges.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/article>\n<section class=\"ols-h5p-card ols-h5p-inline\">\n<span class=\"ols-h5p-kicker\">Check your understanding<\/span>\n<h2>Quick Check: Spot the Alkanes<\/h2>\n<p>Click every molecular formula that belongs to an alkane.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ols-h5p-frame\"><div class=\"h5p-iframe-wrapper\"><iframe id=\"h5p-iframe-699\" class=\"h5p-iframe\" data-content-id=\"699\" style=\"height:1px\" src=\"about:blank\" frameBorder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" title=\"Fractional Distillation Mark the Words: Which Formulae Are Alkanes?\"><\/iframe><\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n      <article class=\"ols-note-card\">\n        <div class=\"ols-note-title\">\n          <div class=\"ols-note-icon\">2<\/div>\n          <h2>How Fractional Distillation Separates Crude Oil<\/h2>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <p>Before separation takes place, crude oil is <strong>pre-heated<\/strong> so that most of it vaporises. The hot vapours are then fed into a <strong>tall fractionating column<\/strong>.<\/p>\n        <p>The part that does not vaporise runs to the base of the column and is drawn off there as the <strong>residue<\/strong>. That residue is the bitumen fraction, which is why bitumen appears at the bottom of the diagram.<\/p>\n        <p>Inside the column, the <strong>temperature decreases as you move upwards<\/strong>. This produces a temperature gradient.<\/p>\n        <p>As the vapours rise through the column, different hydrocarbons <strong>condense at different heights<\/strong>, depending on their boiling temperatures.<\/p>\n<p>The column is fitted with <strong>trays<\/strong>, and the liquid that condenses collects on the tray at the level where the temperature has dropped to its boiling temperature.<\/p>\n\n        <div class=\"ols-figure-card\">\n          <div class=\"ols-figure-image\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/t4-img-18-fractionatingcolumn.jpg\" alt=\"Fractionating column: crude oil heated in a furnace, vapour rising through trays, fractions from fuel gas at the top to bitumen at the base\">\n          <\/div>\n          <div class=\"ols-figure-caption\">\n            <p>Smaller, lower boiling point hydrocarbons leave nearer the top of the column, while larger, higher boiling point hydrocarbons condense lower down.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"ols-warning-box\">\n          <p><strong>Important:<\/strong> Fractional distillation is a physical separation process. It does not break covalent bonds and it does not chemically change the hydrocarbons.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/article>\n<section class=\"ols-h5p-card ols-h5p-inline\">\n<span class=\"ols-h5p-kicker\">Check your understanding<\/span>\n<h2>Quick Check: Through the Furnace and Up the Column<\/h2>\n<p>Put the stages of fractional distillation in the right order.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ols-h5p-frame\"><div class=\"h5p-iframe-wrapper\"><iframe id=\"h5p-iframe-101\" class=\"h5p-iframe\" data-content-id=\"101\" style=\"height:1px\" src=\"about:blank\" frameBorder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" title=\"Fractional Distillation Sort: From Crude Oil to Separate Fractions\"><\/iframe><\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n      <article class=\"ols-note-card purple\">\n        <div class=\"ols-note-title\">\n          <div class=\"ols-note-icon\">3<\/div>\n          <h2>Why the Fractions Separate<\/h2>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <p>The separation depends on <strong>boiling temperature<\/strong>, which is linked to the size of the hydrocarbon molecules.<\/p>\n        <ul>\n          <li><strong>Larger molecules<\/strong> have more electrons and a larger surface area in contact with their neighbours, so the London forces between them are stronger and they have <strong>higher boiling temperatures<\/strong>.<\/li>\n          <li><strong>Smaller molecules<\/strong> have weaker London forces, so they boil at <strong>lower temperatures<\/strong>.<\/li>\n          <li>Hydrocarbons with similar <strong>molecular size, mass and boiling temperature<\/strong> condense together to form a fraction.<\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n\n        <div class=\"ols-table-wrap\">\n          <table class=\"ols-table\">\n            <thead>\n              <tr>\n                <th>Hydrocarbon size<\/th>\n                <th>London forces<\/th>\n                <th>Boiling temperature<\/th>\n                <th>Where it condenses<\/th>\n              <\/tr>\n            <\/thead>\n            <tbody>\n              <tr>\n                <td data-label=\"Hydrocarbon size\"><strong>Smaller hydrocarbons<\/strong><\/td>\n                <td data-label=\"London forces\">Weaker London forces between molecules.<\/td>\n                <td data-label=\"Boiling point\">Lower boiling temperatures.<\/td>\n                <td data-label=\"Where it condenses\">Nearer the top of the column, where temperatures are lower.<\/td>\n              <\/tr>\n              <tr>\n                <td data-label=\"Hydrocarbon size\"><strong>Larger hydrocarbons<\/strong><\/td>\n                <td data-label=\"London forces\">Stronger London forces between molecules.<\/td>\n                <td data-label=\"Boiling point\">Higher boiling temperatures.<\/td>\n                <td data-label=\"Where it condenses\">Lower down in the column, where temperatures are higher.<\/td>\n              <\/tr>\n            <\/tbody>\n          <\/table>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"ols-key-box\">\n          <p><strong>Exam focus:<\/strong> Link increasing chain length to stronger London forces, higher boiling temperature and condensation lower in the fractionating column.<\/p>\n          <p><strong>Remember:<\/strong> London forces are induced dipole-dipole forces. They act between all molecules and grow with the number of electrons.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n      <div class=\"ols-figure-card ols-zoom-pop\">\n<div class=\"ols-figure-image\">\n<a class=\"ols-image-fullscreen-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/t4-img-19-whyseparate.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\"Open image fullscreen\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/t4-img-19-whyseparate.jpg\" alt=\"Cause-and-effect chains for a short and a long alkane, from chain length to forces, boiling point and height of condensation\" data-fullscreen-src=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/t4-img-19-whyseparate.jpg\">\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<section class=\"ols-h5p-card ols-h5p-inline\">\n<span class=\"ols-h5p-kicker\">Check your understanding<\/span>\n<h2>Quick Check: Explain Where Two Alkanes Condense<\/h2>\n<p>Explain why two alkanes condense at different heights in the column.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ols-h5p-frame\"><div class=\"h5p-iframe-wrapper\"><iframe id=\"h5p-iframe-103\" class=\"h5p-iframe\" data-content-id=\"103\" style=\"height:1px\" src=\"about:blank\" frameBorder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" title=\"Fractional Distillation Explain: Pentane and Pentadecane in the Column\"><\/iframe><\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n      <article class=\"ols-note-card green\">\n        <div class=\"ols-note-title\">\n          <div class=\"ols-note-icon\">4<\/div>\n          <h2>Common Petroleum Fractions<\/h2>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <p>The fractions obtained from crude oil are useful because they contain hydrocarbons with similar properties and similar boiling temperature ranges. Many fractions are used as <strong>fuels<\/strong> because alkanes release large amounts of energy when burned.<\/p>\n\n        <div class=\"ols-table-wrap\">\n          <table class=\"ols-table\">\n            <thead>\n              <tr>\n                <th>Fraction<\/th>\n                <th>Typical position in column<\/th>\n                <th>Main use<\/th>\n              <\/tr>\n            <\/thead>\n            <tbody>\n              <tr>\n                <td data-label=\"Fraction\"><strong>Fuel gas<\/strong><\/td>\n                <td data-label=\"Typical position in column\">Very near the top.<\/td>\n                <td data-label=\"Main use\">Bottled gas.<\/td>\n              <\/tr>\n              <tr>\n                <td data-label=\"Fraction\"><strong>Petrol or gasoline<\/strong><\/td>\n                <td data-label=\"Typical position in column\">Near the top.<\/td>\n                <td data-label=\"Main use\">Fuel for cars.<\/td>\n              <\/tr>\n              <tr>\n                <td data-label=\"Fraction\"><strong>Naphtha<\/strong><\/td>\n                <td data-label=\"Typical position in column\">Upper part of the column.<\/td>\n                <td data-label=\"Main use\">Chemicals and feedstock.<\/td>\n              <\/tr>\n              <tr>\n                <td data-label=\"Fraction\"><strong>Kerosene<\/strong><\/td>\n                <td data-label=\"Typical position in column\">Middle part of the column.<\/td>\n                <td data-label=\"Main use\">Jet fuel.<\/td>\n              <\/tr>\n              <tr>\n                <td data-label=\"Fraction\"><strong>Diesel oil<\/strong><\/td>\n                <td data-label=\"Typical position in column\">Lower middle part of the column.<\/td>\n                <td data-label=\"Main use\">Diesel fuel.<\/td>\n              <\/tr>\n              <tr>\n                <td data-label=\"Fraction\"><strong>Fuel oil and lubricating oils<\/strong><\/td>\n                <td data-label=\"Typical position in column\">Lower part of the column.<\/td>\n                <td data-label=\"Main use\">Heavy fuels and lubrication.<\/td>\n              <\/tr>\n              <tr>\n                <td data-label=\"Fraction\"><strong>Bitumen<\/strong><\/td>\n                <td data-label=\"Typical position in column\">Bottom of the column, the residue that never vaporised.<\/td>\n                <td data-label=\"Main use\">Road surfacing and roofing.<\/td>\n              <\/tr>\n            <\/tbody>\n          <\/table>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/article>\n<section class=\"ols-h5p-card ols-h5p-inline\">\n<span class=\"ols-h5p-kicker\">Check your understanding<\/span>\n<h2>Quick Check: Which Fraction?<\/h2>\n<p>Use boiling ranges to place each alkane in its fraction.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ols-h5p-frame\"><div class=\"h5p-iframe-wrapper\"><iframe id=\"h5p-iframe-100\" class=\"h5p-iframe\" data-content-id=\"100\" style=\"height:1px\" src=\"about:blank\" frameBorder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" title=\"Fractional Distillation Drag: Placing Alkanes in Fractions\"><\/iframe><\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n      <article class=\"ols-note-card yellow\">\n        <div class=\"ols-note-title\">\n          <div class=\"ols-note-icon\">5<\/div>\n          <h2>Fractional Distillation Is a Physical Process<\/h2>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <p>Fractional distillation separates hydrocarbons by differences in boiling temperature. It is a <strong>physical process<\/strong>, not a chemical reaction.<\/p>\n        <p>During vaporisation and condensation, the process overcomes <strong>weak London forces between molecules<\/strong>. It does not break the strong covalent bonds inside the hydrocarbon molecules.<\/p>\n\n        <div class=\"ols-table-wrap\">\n          <table class=\"ols-table\">\n            <thead>\n              <tr>\n                <th>Type of force or bond<\/th>\n                <th>What happens during fractional distillation?<\/th>\n                <th>Exam wording<\/th>\n              <\/tr>\n            <\/thead>\n            <tbody>\n              <tr>\n                <td data-label=\"Type of force or bond\"><strong>London forces between molecules<\/strong><\/td>\n                <td data-label=\"What happens during fractional distillation?\">These weak intermolecular forces are overcome when fractions vaporise.<\/td>\n                <td data-label=\"Exam wording\">Fractional distillation overcomes intermolecular forces.<\/td>\n              <\/tr>\n              <tr>\n                <td data-label=\"Type of force or bond\"><strong>Covalent bonds within molecules<\/strong><\/td>\n                <td data-label=\"What happens during fractional distillation?\">These bonds are not broken during fractional distillation.<\/td>\n                <td data-label=\"Exam wording\">No chemical reaction takes place.<\/td>\n              <\/tr>\n            <\/tbody>\n          <\/table>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"ols-key-box\">\n          <p><strong>Remember:<\/strong> If covalent bonds are broken and new molecules are made, the process is chemical. Fractional distillation does not do this.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/article>\n<section class=\"ols-h5p-card ols-h5p-inline\">\n<span class=\"ols-h5p-kicker\">Check your understanding<\/span>\n<h2>Quick Check: Separation or Reaction?<\/h2>\n<p>Decide quickly whether each change is physical or chemical.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ols-h5p-frame\"><div class=\"h5p-iframe-wrapper\"><iframe id=\"h5p-iframe-700\" class=\"h5p-iframe\" data-content-id=\"700\" style=\"height:1px\" src=\"about:blank\" frameBorder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" title=\"Fractional Distillation Quick Fire: Physical Change or Chemical Change?\"><\/iframe><\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"ols-h5p-card ols-h5p-inline\">\n<span class=\"ols-h5p-kicker\">Check your understanding<\/span>\n<h2>Quick Check: Fractional Distillation Summary<\/h2>\n<p>Pull the whole page together by choosing the accurate statement in each round.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ols-h5p-frame\"><div class=\"h5p-iframe-wrapper\"><iframe id=\"h5p-iframe-1282\" class=\"h5p-iframe\" data-content-id=\"1282\" style=\"height:1px\" src=\"about:blank\" frameBorder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" title=\"Fractional Distillation Summary: Alkanes, Fractions and the Column\"><\/iframe><\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n      <article class=\"ols-note-card soft\">\n        <div class=\"ols-note-title\">\n          <div class=\"ols-note-icon\">6<\/div>\n          <h2>Common Exam Mistakes<\/h2>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <ul>\n          <li>Do not say fractional distillation separates hydrocarbons by chemical reaction. It is a <strong>physical process<\/strong>.<\/li>\n          <li>Do not say covalent bonds are broken. Fractional distillation overcomes <strong>London forces between molecules<\/strong>.<\/li>\n          <li>Do not say all hydrocarbons leave the top of the column. Larger hydrocarbons condense <strong>lower down<\/strong>.<\/li>\n          <li>Do not confuse fractional distillation with <strong>cracking<\/strong>. Cracking breaks larger hydrocarbons into smaller molecules.<\/li>\n          <li>Do not describe a petroleum fraction as one compound. A fraction is a <strong>mixture<\/strong> of hydrocarbons with similar boiling temperatures.<\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/article>\n\n      \n\n            <section class=\"ols-faq-card\" id=\"fractional-distillation-faq\">\n        <h2>Fractional Distillation FAQ<\/h2>\n        <p>These short answers summarise the key exam points from this page.<\/p>\n\n        <div class=\"ols-faq-list\">\n          <div class=\"ols-faq-item\">\n            <h3>What is fractional distillation of crude oil?<\/h3>\n            <p>Fractional distillation is a physical separation process that separates crude oil into fractions based on different boiling temperature ranges.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n\n          <div class=\"ols-faq-item\">\n            <h3>Why do smaller hydrocarbons leave nearer the top of the column?<\/h3>\n            <p>Smaller hydrocarbons have weaker London forces between molecules, so they have lower boiling temperatures and condense nearer the top where the column is cooler.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n\n          <div class=\"ols-faq-item\">\n            <h3>Why do larger hydrocarbons condense lower down?<\/h3>\n            <p>Larger hydrocarbons have stronger London forces between molecules, so they have higher boiling temperatures and condense lower down where the column is hotter.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n\n          <div class=\"ols-faq-item\">\n            <h3>Are covalent bonds broken during fractional distillation?<\/h3>\n            <p>No. Fractional distillation only overcomes weak intermolecular forces between molecules. It does not break covalent bonds within the hydrocarbon molecules.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n\n          <div class=\"ols-faq-item\">\n            <h3>Is a petroleum fraction a pure compound?<\/h3>\n            <p>No. A fraction is a mixture of hydrocarbons with similar chain lengths and a similar range of boiling temperatures. It is collected over a temperature range, not at one temperature.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/section>\n\n      <!-- author card (moved to the end, 10 Oct 2026) -->\n      <div class=\"ols-author\">\n        \n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n              class=\"ols-author-avatar-img\"\n              src=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Author-Profile.jpeg\"\n              alt=\"Dr. Mohammed Al-Fatah\"\n            >\n        \n            <div class=\"ols-author-content\">\n        \n              <h2 class=\"ols-author-title\">\n                Written by: Dr. Mohammed Al-Fatah\n              <\/h2>\n        \n              <p class=\"ols-author-description\">\n                Chemistry specialist revision notes for A Level Chemistry.\n              <\/p>\n        \n              <a\n                class=\"ols-linkedin-pill\"\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/doctormohammedfatah\/\"\n                target=\"_blank\"\n                rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\n              >\n        \n                <svg class=\"ols-linkedin-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                  <path d=\"M4.98 3.5C4.98 4.88 3.86 6 2.48 6S0 4.88 0 3.5 1.12 1 2.48 1s2.5 1.12 2.5 2.5zM.5 8h4V24h-4V8zm7 0h3.8v2.2h.1c.5-.9 1.8-2.2 3.9-2.2 4.2 0 5 2.8 5 6.4V24h-4v-7.6c0-1.8 0-4.2-2.6-4.2s-3 2-3 4v7.8h-4V8z\"\/>\n                <\/svg>\n        \n                View LinkedIn Profile\n        \n              <\/a>\n        \n            <\/div>\n        \n          <\/div>\n\n\n      <section class=\"ols-related-card\">\n        <h2>Related Organic Chemistry Revision Notes<\/h2>\n        <p>Continue building the Topic 6 Organic Chemistry I sequence with the next connected pages.<\/p>\n\n        <div class=\"ols-related-grid\">\n          <a class=\"ols-related-item\" href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/crude-oil\/cracking\/\">Cracking<\/a>\n          <a class=\"ols-related-item\" href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/crude-oil\/reforming\/\">Reforming<\/a>\n          <a class=\"ols-related-item\" href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/fuel\/combustion\/\">Alkanes as Fuel<\/a>\n          <a class=\"ols-related-item\" href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/reactions\/free-radical-substitution\/\">Reactions of Alkanes<\/a>\n          <a class=\"ols-related-item\" href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/introduction-to-organic-chemistry\/\">Introduction to Organic Chemistry<\/a>\n          <a class=\"ols-related-item\" href=\"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/introduction-to-organic-chemistry\/isomerism\/\">Isomerism<\/a>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/section>\n    \n\n      <!-- OLS Author Copyright Footprint \/ Attribution Card -->\n      <section class=\"ols-attribution-card ols-attr-std\" aria-label=\"Copyright notice\">\n<style id=\"ols-attribution-card-css\">.ols-attribution-card.ols-attr-std{background:linear-gradient(135deg,#ffffff,#f8fbff);border:1px solid rgba(28,36,75,0.14);border-radius:28px;box-shadow:0 18px 45px rgba(28,36,75,0.10);padding:34px;margin:24px 0;overflow:hidden;font-family:Poppins,Arial,sans-serif;box-sizing:border-box}.ols-attribution-card.ols-attr-std *{box-sizing:border-box}.ols-attribution-card.ols-attr-std p{margin:0;font-size:14px;line-height:1.65;font-weight:300;color:#667085}.ols-attribution-card.ols-attr-std strong{font-weight:700;color:#1C244B}@media (max-width:760px){.ols-attribution-card.ols-attr-std{padding:24px 18px;border-radius:22px}}<\/style>\n<p><strong>Copyright notice:<\/strong> This OLS revision content, including the explanations, layout, diagrams, tables and embedded learning structure, is authored for Online Learning System by Dr. Mohammed Al-Fatah. It may not be copied, reproduced, redistributed or adapted without written permission.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/main>\n<\/section>\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@graph\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"WebPage\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/crude-oil\/fractional-distillation\/#webpage\",\n      \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.onlinelearningsystem.net\/xyz\/revision-notes\/a-level-chemistry\/edexcel\/topic-6-organic-chemistry-i\/alkanes\/crude-oil\/fractional-distillation\/\",\n      \"name\": \"Fractional Distillation - Edexcel A Level Chemistry\",\n      \"description\": \"A Level Chemistry revision notes on fractional distillation of crude oil, including petroleum fractions, boiling point, London forces and the fractionating column.\",\n      \"isPartOf\": {\n        \"@type\": \"WebSite\",\n        \"@id\": 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