Petroleum refining basics: In fractional distillation of crude oil, the gasoline (petrol) fraction typically distills over which approximate temperature range (°C)?

Introduction / Context:Crude oil is separated into useful products by fractional distillation. Each fraction is characterized by a boiling range corresponding to hydrocarbon molecular weights. Recognizing the approximate range for petrol (gasoline) is essential for refinery overview questions and fuel property discussions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Conventional atmospheric distillation column conditions.
• Typical refinery cut points; actual ranges vary with crude and operation.
• Gasoline (petrol) is a light fraction used in spark-ignition engines.

Concept / Approach:In a standard atmospheric distillation, lighter fractions boil off first. Gasoline typically spans the low-to-moderate temperature region. Kerosene, gas oils, and residues boil at progressively higher temperatures. Therefore, among the ranges offered, the lightest interval (65° to 220°C) aligns with gasoline, while higher ranges correspond to kerosene (roughly 150–275°C), diesel/light gas oil (around 200–370°C), and heavier gas oils/residues beyond that.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:Petroleum textbooks and refinery data sheets commonly list gasoline cuts roughly 30–200°C or 40–205°C; 65–220°C remains a reasonable approximate range for generic MCQs.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 220–345°C and 345–470°C: More typical of kerosene to gas oil cuts.
• 470–550°C: Characteristic of vacuum gas oils/residual fractions, not petrol.

Common Pitfalls:Assuming precise fixed temperatures; in practice, ranges overlap and are adjusted by product specifications.

Final Answer:65° to 220°C