Term: hydrocracking unit
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.H02895

Definition:
Used in the thermal decomposition of heavy (high molecular weight) hydrocarbons to smaller (low molecular weight) hydrocarbons; high pressures of hydrogen and a special catalyst are employed. Sulfur compounds in the fuel are reduced to H2S, and the final hydrocarbon product can be obtained relatively sulfur-free.

Related Terms:
1) decomposition (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.D01547).
2) molecular weight (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.M04000).
3) hydrocarbons (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.H02889).
4) catalyst (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.C00876).

Source: PAC, 1990, 62, 2167. 'Glossary of atmospheric chemistry terms (Recommendations 1990)' on page 2195 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199062112167)

Citation: 'hydrocracking unit' in IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 5th ed. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; 2025. Online version 5.0.0, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.H02895

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