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Fractional Distillation of Crude Oil - Properties of Different Fractions.

The different hydrocarbon fractions obtained from crude oil
condense at different temperatures.

The larger the hydrocarbon molecule (the more carbon atoms it has)
1) The higher the condensing temperature (the higher the boiling point).
2) The more viscous it is (it takes longer to flow - like syrup).
3) The less volatile it is (it evaporates less quickly).
4) The less flammable it is (it does not set fire so easily).

Gases from volatile hydrocarbons are more dense than air
and pose a fire hazard at ground level. This is why ignition sources
 (such as smoking) are not allowed at petrol stations.

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