When kerosene or natural gasoline is subjected to high-severity pyrolysis (thermal cracking under very high temperature and short residence time), which family of products is chiefly targeted in modern petrochemical practice?

Introduction:
Pyrolysis (e.g., steam cracking) is a cornerstone petrochemical process. Feed flexibility includes ethane, propane, naphtha, kerosene, and even heavier fractions. Severity is tuned to maximize valuable light olefins and aromatics used as building blocks in polymers and chemicals.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Feedstocks: kerosene or natural gasoline (light naphtha).
• Operating mode: high temperature, short residence time, dilution steam.
• Objective: identify primary targeted products.

Concept / Approach:
Under pyrolysis conditions, C–C bonds cleave to form a high-olefin mix (ethylene, propylene, butadiene). Secondary reactions and aromatization in the gasoline-range product generate benzene, toluene, and xylenes (BTX). Refineries may valorize pyrolysis gasoline (rich in aromatics) after hydrogenation/extraction.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Recognize steam cracking targets olefins, especially ethylene/propylene.2) Acknowledge formation of aromatics in heavier-feed cracking (pygas/BTX streams).3) Select “olefins and aromatics” as the best description of the main product families.

Verification / Alternative check:
Commercial ethylene plants based on naphtha/kerosene feeds are designed for olefin production; aromatics recovery from pygas is standard in integrated complexes.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Lighter paraffins only: Olefins dominate rather than paraffins.Stabilised gasoline/diesel/lube oils: Not the purpose of pyrolysis; these are refinery fuels/lubes, not core petrochemical targets.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing mild thermal cracking for fuel upgrading with severe pyrolysis aimed at monomer production; severity determines slate and economics.

Final Answer:
Olefins and aromatics