Isolation and identification of benzoquinolines in natural and synthetic crude oils

• Published in: Fuel (Guildford) 1987-05, Vol.66 (5), p.612-617
• Main Authors: Ma, Cheng Y., Ho, Chuen-huei, Caton, John E., Griest, Wayne H., Guerin, Michael R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; benzoquinoline; Constitution and properties of crude oils, shale oils, natural gas and bitumens. Analysis and characteristics; crude oil; Crude oil, natural gas and petroleum products; Energy; Exact sciences and technology; Fuels; h.p.l.c
• ISSN: 0016-2361; 1873-7153
• DOI: 10.1016/0016-2361(87)90267-5

Using a sequential h.p.l.c. technique, the levels of each of the eight benzoquinoline isomers were estimated for two petroleum crude oils, several coal liquids shale oils and a coal gasifier tar. Significant concentrations (5–420 ppm) of phenanthridine, acridine, benzo( h)quinoline and benzo(f)quinoline were found in all coal-derived materials with the former two isomers being most abundant. In contrast, benzo( g)quinoline, benz( g)isoquinoline, benz( h)isoquinoline and benz(f)isoquinoline were seldom present at levels above 1 ppm. None or trace quantities of the eight isomers were detected in two petroleum crude oil samples. Major benzoquinoline isomers from one coal liquid were individually isolated and the presence of phenanthridine, benzo( h)quinoline and benzo(f)quinoline was unequivocally confirmed by matching infrared spectra.