Abstract: The catalytic cracking reactions of soybean oil have been studied using a selfassembled distillation apparatus, and the optimal technological conditions were obtained as follows: the distillation temperature 320—350 ℃, cracking temperature 480—500 ℃, and adding rate of soybean oil 35 g/h. The fraction distribution of product was modified by the basic catalyst such as Na2CO3 and distillation process. It was known from the analysis results of FTIR, GCMS and SEC that the cracked products mainly consisted of alkanes, alkenes, aldehyde, and carboxylic acid. Furthermore, the crackedoil had a low average molecular weight, and had similar physical and chemical properties comparing to those specified for petroleumbased fuels. The properties of the cracked oil were measured as follows: density of 825 kg/m3, viscosity of 4.0 mm2/s，calorific value of 42 MJ/kg, freezing point of -9 ℃, and cold filter plugging point of -4 ℃.