Question

Which type of catalyst is used in catalytic cracking?

(a) Catalyst containing nitrogen

(b) Catalyst containing alumina and silica

(c) Catalyst containing noble elements

(d) Catalyst with high electronegativity

I got this question in final exam.

This intriguing question originated from Cracking topic in chapter Fuels and Combustion of Engineering Chemistry II

Answer 1

The correct choice is (b) Catalyst containing alumina and silica

To explain I would say: Earlier acid clays were used as a catalyst for catalytic cracking. Now silica and alumina with minor amounts of oxides of Ca, Mg, Na and rare earth are used as a catalyst.