Answer the following questions about crude oil, alkanes, and chlorination reactions.
(a) Crude oil is a mixture of hydrocarbons which belong to the homologous series called the alkanes. This mixture can be separated into fractions by fractional distillation. Some fractions are used as fuels. Some other fractions are subjected to catalytic cracking to make alkenes. Explain the meaning of the terms hydrocarbons, homologous series, alkanes, fractional distillation, fuels, catalytic cracking, and alkenes.
(b) Alkanes can be converted into substances used as solvents by reaction with a halogen, such as chlorine, in ultraviolet light. Write a word and balanced chemical equation for the reaction between methane and chlorine. Name the reaction type. State what the highly reactive chlorine atoms produced in ultraviolet light are called. Write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction between CHF3 and Cl2 to produce a chlorofluorocarbon. Explain why CFCs are problematic.