Fractional Distillation of Synthetic Crude Oil – Chemistry in Action 

Crude oil is one of the most important mixtures in our lives. From petrol in cars to plastics in everyday objects, it all begins with the process of fractional distillation. But bringing barrels of real crude oil into the classroom isn’t practical (or safe!) – so we use a synthetic version instead.

🛠 The Setup

We create a mixture of hydrocarbons with different boiling points to mimic crude oil. This synthetic crude is poured into a distillation flask, heated gently, and the vapours rise up the fractionating column.

As the vapour travels, it cools. Substances with lower boiling points rise further, while those with higher boiling points condense earlier and fall back. By adjusting the temperature, students can collect each fraction in turn.

🔬 What Students Learn

• Separation by boiling point – why methane and petrol fractions come off first, while bitumen stays behind.

• Energy content – lighter fractions burn more cleanly, heavier ones produce more soot.

• Real-life uses – from gas for heating, to petrol and diesel for transport, to lubricating oils and waxes.

🎓 Why It Works in Teaching

Using a synthetic crude makes the process safe, visual, and hands-on. Students see liquid fractions being collected and link them directly to the fuels and materials they use every day.

It turns a complicated industrial process into something tangible, memorable, and surprisingly fun – and it gives them a real appreciation for how vital chemistry is to modern life.