Separation And Infrared (Ft-Ir) Characterization Of Aromatic Hydrocarbons From High Boiling Fractions (≫200 Oc) Of Nigeria Crude Oil (Using Trichloroethylene As The Eluant)
NJOKUNWOGBU A N
Petroleum Chemistry Unit, Department of Chemical Sciences, Godfrey Okoye University, P.M.B. 01014, Thinkers’ Corner, Enugu, Nigeria.
AMARACHUKWU OKOYEAGU
Department of Chemistry, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria.
ENE FELICITAS C
Petroleum Chemistry Unit, Department of Chemical Sciences, Godfrey Okoye University, P.M.B. 01014, Thinkers’ Corner, Enugu, Nigeria.
IYIOKU MAGNUS U
Department of Physical and Geosciences, Godfrey Okoye University, P.M.B. 01014, Thinkers’ Corner, Enugu, Nigeria.
ENYI CATHERINE N
Department of Applied Sciences, Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy Enugu, Nigeria.
Keywords: Separation, Characterization, Infrared, Aromatic hydrocarbons, Nigeria crude oil, Trichloroethylene, Chromatography, High boiling fraction, Petroleum
Abstract
The separation and characterization of aromatic hydrocarbons from high boiling fractions (>200°C) of Nigeria crude oil is reported. The crude oil was distilled under atmospheric pressure in a glass system, with the help of a paraffin bath. The bottom fraction of the crude oil was fractionated using solvent deasphaltening (in which case n-heptane was used followed by filtration), and elution - adsorption chromatography. The saturates were eluted with n-heptane by liquid chromatography on silica gel while the aromatics were eluted with trichlorethylene. The l.R. analysis of the aromatic extracts showed absorption peaks at 3082.94 cm-1, 3037.06cm-1, 1584.82cm-1, l557.09cm-1, l497.43cm-1, 1247.97cm-1, 931.79cm-1, 907.36cm-1, 841 .53cm-1, 676.46cm-1 and 629.49cm-1 respectively. These absorption peaks are due to the presence of aromatics hydrocarbons.