The asphaltenes are a fraction of bitumen or crude oil that dissolve in a strong solvent, like toluene, but not in a weak solvent, like n-pentane. Many difficulties in separating, transporting and processing crude oil and bitumen are linked to this fraction. Asphaltenes are solids at room temperature. When they are heated rapidly, as in this movie, they melt in 1-3 seconds and begin to fall apart. As the molecules fall apart, or crack, they form vapor that appear as bubbles and wisps of smoke in the video.
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