Does cracking need a catalyst

Cracking, the process of breaking down large hydrocarbon molecules into smaller ones, can occur via thermal or catalytic methods. While thermal cracking does not require a catalyst and relies on high temperatures, catalytic cracking utilizes a catalyst to lower the temperature and improve the efficiency of the reaction. The catalyst enhances the reaction rate and selectivity of the desired products, making catalytic cracking more economically advantageous in many refining processes.