Highest quality bitumen is produced from the __________ crude oil.

ANS:B - naphthenic

The highest quality bitumen is typically produced from naphthenic crude oil. Here’s why:

1. Crude Oil Composition: Naphthenic crude oils are characterized by their higher content of naphthenic hydrocarbons, which are cyclic or ring-shaped molecules. These crude oils generally have lower sulfur content and higher API gravity compared to heavier, more paraffinic or asphaltic crude oils.
2. Bitumen Quality: Bitumen produced from naphthenic crude oil tends to have desirable properties such as higher softening points, better temperature susceptibility (resistance to temperature changes), and improved durability. These characteristics are crucial for ensuring the quality and performance of bitumen in various applications such as road construction and waterproofing.
3. Applications: High-quality bitumen is essential for durable and long-lasting infrastructure projects. Naphthenic crude oils provide feedstocks that yield bitumen with superior properties, making them preferred for producing premium-grade bitumen products.