the process of breaking down petroleum into simpler molecules
hydrocracking in American English
(ˈhaɪdrəˌkrækɪŋ)
noun
a modern, highly efficient petroleum cracking process designed to maximize the production of auto and jet fuels: under great pressure, but at a relatively low temperature, heavy hydrocarbons combine with hydrogen and solid catalysts to produce saturated light distillates, gasoline, etc.