Consider the following : Crude oil is a direct source of: 1. asphalt 2. paraffin wax 3. fatty acids 4. gas oil Which of the above are correct ?

Crude oil is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons that must be refined through fractional distillation to produce usable products [c3, t7]. During this process, various fractions are separated based on their boiling points. Asphalt (or bitumen) is a heavy, viscous residue obtained from the bottom of the distillation column [c4, t1]. Paraffin wax is another direct byproduct derived from the heavier fractions of crude oil, often used for candles and lubricants [c1, c5, t4]. Gas oil is a middle distillate fraction used to produce diesel and heating fuels [t2, t4]. In contrast, fatty acids are organic compounds typically derived from biological sources like vegetable oils or animal fats through hydrolysis, rather than being a direct hydrocarbon fraction of crude oil. Therefore, asphalt, paraffin wax, and gas oil are direct products of crude oil refining [t3, t4].

Sources

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3. [3] Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 27: Fuel and Power > PETROLEUM > p. 268
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