What are the uses of alkanes in the petrochemical industry?

Alkanes are used in the petrochemical industry primarily as fuels and as raw materials for chemical synthesis.

In the petrochemical industry, alkanes play a crucial role due to their abundance and versatility. The most common use of alkanes is as fuels. Methane, the simplest alkane, is the main component of natural gas, which is used for heating and cooking. Propane and butane, other low molecular weight alkanes, are used in portable heating and cooking appliances. Higher molecular weight alkanes, such as octane, are major components of petrol, while even higher molecular weight alkanes make up diesel and jet fuels.

Apart from being used as fuels, alkanes also serve as raw materials for the synthesis of a wide range of chemicals. Through a process known as cracking, larger alkanes are broken down into smaller ones, which can then be used to produce a variety of other compounds. For example, ethene and propene, which are derived from ethane and propane respectively, are used to make polymers for plastics, fibres and other materials.

Alkanes are also used in the production of lubricants, waxes, and other specialty chemicals. For instance, paraffin wax, which is a mixture of high molecular weight alkanes, is used in candles, wax paper, and cosmetics. Similarly, lubricating oils are produced by refining and treating high molecular weight alkanes.

In summary, alkanes are indispensable in the petrochemical industry. They not only provide the energy needed for various applications, but also serve as the building blocks for a multitude of chemical products.