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During the refining of petroleum by fractional distillation, components of the petroleum separate into components called fractions according to their molar masses and boiling points.
Each fraction contains several compounds which fall within a certain boiling point range. Heavier fractions separate to the bottom, and light fractions separate to the top. The lightest fractions, which are mainly gasses, vapourize and rise to the top of the distillation tower, are collected, and so on.
After the fractional distillation separation, the products are further refined as necessary through various processes like cracking, reforming, or alkylation.
The table below summarized the various fractions of crude oil and its uses.
| Fraction | Number of Carbon | Boiling Point | Uses of fraction |
| Petroleum gases (methane, ethane, propane and butane) | C1 – C4 | <40°C | They are mainly used as fuel for homes and industries and for the production of petrochemicals. Methane, CH4, is used to produce H2, tetrac -hloromethane. |
| Gasoline (petrol) | C5 – C10 | -180°C | Petrol is used as fuel in cars and generators. It is also used as a solvent for paint and grease. |
| Paraffin oil (Kerosene) | C11 – C15 | 180 -250°C | It is used as fuel for lighting and heating. It is also used as aviation fuel. |
| Diesel (Gas oil and diesel) | C16 – C20 | 250 -300°C | It is used as fuel for heating and in diesel engines and It is a raw material for cracking of petroleum. |
| Lubricating oil | C20 – C30 | -350°C | Vaseline is used in hair care products. Paraffin is used in making candles, creams, etc. |
| Bitumen (Asphalt) | > C30 | >350°C | Bitumen is used in road surfacing, coating pipes, tar for roofing, etc. |
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