Magnets that are turned on by passing an electric current through them, and turned off by not allowing an electric current through them.
Electromagents
yes, they have north and south poles like permanent magnets the advantages of electromagnets are we can interchange the poles by changing the direction of current and intensity of the magnetic field (flux)can be controlled.
Hadron Collider - high powered electromagents in a ring, orientated so that they accelerate the particle (typically a neutron) at the molecule you want to break up (this might have to be repeated several times depending on the size of the molecule). This will most likely break apart the molecules as well as the atoms though... (depending on the velocity of the particle.) Hydro-carbon: heat is best, therefore Bunsen Burner, Furnace or High Powered Lasers etc. Electrolytes: use electrolysis, therefore two conductive rods (typical carbon) connected to a power supply, of which you have to melt/dissolve the material beforehand.