Prediction of molecular weight and density of n-alkanes (C6-C44)

Heavy n-alkanes and their mixtures were characterized by high temperature-simulated distillation using gas chromatography with a capillary column. In this work, the atmospheric boiling point is determined by the HT-SimDis GC method. In this study, molecular weights and density of n-alkanes were evaluated with this method by using retention times and normal boiling points as input data. ASTM D2887 calibration mixture containing 17 n-alkanes in the C₆-C₄₄ range were used for qualitative analyses. Retention times (t_R) of n-alkanes were measured with this method. The other input data that normal boiling points (T_b) and molecular weight (M) had been taken in the literature. Experimental densities (at 20 °C) of n-alkanes were obtained from API Research Projects. Empirical molecular weight and density correlations were developed by using the nonlinear and multiple regressions with correlation coefficients. The results of calculations were compared with experimental data. Normal boiling point predictions were obtained as an average absolute deviation of 1.07%. Molecular weight and density results were evaluated as average absolute deviations of 0.68% and 0.21%, respectively.     

Viscosity of heavy n-alkanes and diffusion of gases therein based on molecular dynamics simulations and empirical correlations

The viscosity of pure n-alkanes and n-alkane mixtures was studied by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations using the Green–Kubo method. n-Alkane molecules were modeled based on the Transferable Potential for Phase Equilibria (TraPPE) united atom force field. MD simulations at constant number of molecules or particles, volume and temperature (NVT) were performed for n-C₈ up to n-C₉₆ at different temperatures as well as for binary and six-component n-alkane mixtures which are considered as prototypes for the hydrocarbon wax produced during the Gas-To-Liquid (GTL) Fischer–Tropsch process. For the pure n-alkanes, good agreement between our simulated viscosities and existing experimental data was observed. In the case of the n-alkane mixtures, the composition dependence of viscosity was examined. The simulated viscosity results were compared with literature empirical correlations. Moreover, a new macroscopic empirical correlation for the calculation of self-diffusion coefficients of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and water in n-alkanes and mixtures of n-alkanes was developed by combining viscosity and self-diffusion coefficient values in n-alkanes. The correlation was compared with the simulation data and an average absolute deviation (AAD) of 11.3% for pure n-alkanes and 14.3% for n-alkane mixtures was obtained.     

Selective Separation of Oxy-PAH from n-Alkanes and PAH in Complex Organic Mixtures Extracted from Airborne PM2.5

A fast and simple fractionation method was optimized to selectively separate oxy-PAH from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and n-alkanes contained in solvent extracted organic matter (SEOM) from atmospheric particles with an aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm (PM_2.5). Samples were collected in Mexico City. Multivariate parameters were adjusted on a standard mixture, and on SEOM spiked with pure standard mixture solutions: type and amount of phase; packing densities; type, proportion and amount of solvents, and elution flow rates were tested under several elution schemes. Cyanopropylsilyl-bonded phase material was the selected stationary phase. The separation method was applied to real samples of SEOM (2.6, 5.6 and 8.5 mg) spiked with n-alkanes, PAH and oxy-PAH. n-Alkanes overlapped with PAH due to an excess of n-alkanes in real samples overloading the capacity of the stationary phase. Oxy-PAH was separated totally from n-alkanes and PAH. Mean recoveries ± confidence intervals (95%) for n-alkanes ranged from 53 ± 17% (n-tetracontane) to 101 ± 11% (n-hexacosane); for PAH from 58 ± 5% (phenanthrene) to 85 ± 9% (benzo[k]fluoranthene); and for oxy-PAH from 68 ± 12% (9,10-dihydrobenzo[a]pyren-7(8H)one) to 108 ± 9% (1,2-benzopyrone). This method is an efficient fractionation procedure to be applied to oxy-PAH, PAH and n-alkanes in complex organic mixtures extracted from PM_2.5.     

Observation of multiple phase transitions in some even n-alkanes using a high resolution and super-sensitive DSC

The phase transitions of even n-alkanes, n-C₃₄H₇₀, n-C₃₆H₇₄, n-C₄₀H₈₂ and n-C₄₂H₈₆ with high purity have been measured using a high resolution and super-sensitive DSC. A new transition in the low temperature phase was observed in all the samples in the heating run. The surface freezing phenomenon was observed by thermal measurement for the first time in all the samples both in the heating and in the cooling run. The difference of the thermal behaviors between the heating and cooling run was also observed in all the samples.     

A microcalorimetric comparison of the effect ofn-alkane preadsorption on the adsorption of argon and nitrogen on Silicalite-I

Then-alkanes of different lengths were preadsorbed to selectively block part of the micropores of a MFI-type zeolite, Silicalite-I. The porosity available to argon and nitrogen was then studied by quasi-equilibrium adsorption microcalorimetry and volumetry at 77K and compared to what was found for the bare zeolite. Indeed, although partial adsorption ofn-alkanes does not alter the value of the differential enthalpies of adsorption for both argon and nitrogen, then-butane preadsorption diminishes the adsorption capacity by inducing inaccessible volumes in the micropore network. Moreover, the microcalorimetric experiments clearly show thatn-butane is not evenly distributed in the zeolite channel network while the longern-alkanes used are.     

Laser optoacoustic studies of intermolecular V-V processes: CH4/n-alkanes,and density of state aspects in V-V and E-V rates

Using laser excitation of CH₄ at 2947.9 cm^?1, V-V processes from the bending modes of CH₄ to deformation modes in a series of n-alkanes are studied optoacoustically. The results, like other V-V and E-V processes, show an incremental change in acceptor level density with the number of n-alkane C atoms.     

Application of Pentafluorobenzyl and Hexafluoroisopropyl Esters for Retention Indexes in GC-Negative Ion Chemical Ionization MS

In order to use the linear temperature programmed retention index (LTRI) for the negative ion chemical ionization (NCI) mode in which n-alkanes cannot be detected, LTRIs were newly defined using homologous series of pentafluorobenzyl and hexafluoroisopropyl esters. The method for converting LTRI based on n-alkanes to the new LTRIs was also developed and applied to PCB and chlorinated pesticide analysis. The results demonstrated that the LTRI databases, which were developed based on n-alkanes, could be utilized for NCI analysis.     

Prediction of activity coefficients and Henry's constants at infinite dilution for mixtures of n-alkanes

Trejo Rodríguez, A. and Patterson, D., 1984. Prediction of activity coefficients and Henry's constants at infinite dilution for mixtures of n-alkanes. Fluid Phase Equilibria, 17: 265–279.The corresponding-states principle (CSP) for chain molecules has been used to predict activity coefficients γ_i^∞ at infinite dilution and Henry's constants H_i,j for mixtures of n-alkanes. The mixtures for which predictions of γ_i^∞ are made include n-C₄ through n-C₁₀ as the solute in several pure higher n-alkanes, at several temperatures from 30 to 90°C. Predictions of H_i,j are made for mixtures where the solute is C₂ through n-C₈ and the solvent any n-alkane from n-C₄ through n-C₂₂, also at several temperatures, from –15 to 177°C. The predicted values are compared with experimental data from the literature, and in all cases the agreement is remarkably good. The temperature dependence of H_i,j for some mixtures is used to derive heats of solution ΔH_s, and comparison is again carried out with available experimental values.     

Dielectric relaxation of n-alkanes at microwave frequencies

The dielectric loss-factor of some non-polar liquids (e.g., n-heptane, n-nonane and n-decane) was determined at microwave frequencies from 26 to 140 GHz and at temperatures of 20 and 60°C. For all n-alkanes, relaxation maxima have been observed within this frequency region. The principal relaxation times increase with increasing length of the molecular chain (n-heptane 2.4 psec, n-nonane 2.7 psec and n-decane 3.2 psec at 20°C) and decrease with increasing temperature. The influence of polar contaminations of the alkanes on the measured loss was separately tested.     

Experimental solubility data of various n-alkane waxes: effects of alkane chain length,alkane odd versus even carbon number structures,and solvent chemistry on solubility

Solubility data were measured for eight different n-alkanes ranging from tetracosane to tetratetracontane (C₂₄H₅₀–C₄₄H₉₀). Included are: (1) solubility data in toluene for all the n-alkanes studied and (2) solubility data of n-hexatriacontane (C₃₆H₇₄) in several solvent and solvent mixture systems. Illustrated in the data are the effects on solubility of alkane chain length, alkane odd versus even carbon number structures, and solvent chemistry. The measurements were made to provide fundamental equilibrium data.     

Application of urea adduction technique to polluted urban aerosols for the determination of hydrogen isotopic composition of n-alkanes

We examined an applicability of an improved urea adduction technique for the determination of hydrogen isotopic composition (δD) of homologous series of n-alkanes present in polluted urban aerosols using GC/TC/IRMS. Unresolved complex mixture (UCM) of hydrocarbons that interferes with accurate isotope measurements of n-alkanes was removed from n-alkane fraction by a urea adduction method. Recoveries of C₂₀ to C₃₀ n-alkanes during the urea adduction procedure were greater than 90% when the concentrations of total n-alkanes exceed 6.1?µg?mL^?1. Our compound-specific D/H ratios confirm the absence of significant hydrogen isotope fractionation in n-alkanes during urea adduction and recovery of the purified n-alkane fraction. We applied this technique to the urban aerosols that contain a large quantity of UCM to measure δD of C₂₀ to C₃₅ n-alkanes in urban aerosols from Tokyo and Sapporo with an accuracy less than 10‰. We found that the δD values widely ranged from ?38 to ?179‰. Based on the δD values of individual n-alkanes in aerosol samples, we can obtain further information on the sources of aerosol n-alkanes and their source regions, and the atmospheric processes such as long-range transport and atmospheric mixing of air masses of different origin.     

Thermodynamic insights into n-alkanes phase change materials for thermal energy storage

n-Alkanes have been widely used as phase change materials (PCMs) for thermal energy storage applications because of their exceptional phase transition performance, high chemical stability, long term cyclic stability and non-toxicity. However, the thermodynamic properties, especially heat capacity, of n-alkanes have rarely been comprehensively investigated in a wide temperature range, which would be insufficient for design and utilization of n-alkanes-based thermal energy storage techniques. In this study, the thermal properties of n-alkanes (C₁₈H₃₈-C₂₂H₄₆), such as thermal stability, thermal conductivity, phase transition temperature and enthalpy were systematically studied by different thermal analysis and calorimetry methods, and compared with previous results. Thermodynamic property of these n-alkanes was studied in a wide temperature range from 1.9 K to 370 K using a combined relaxation (Physical Property Measurement System, PPMS), differential scanning and adiabatic calorimetry method, and the corresponding thermodynamic functions, such as entropy and enthalpy, were calculated based on the heat capacity curve fitting. Most importantly, the heat capacities and related thermodynamic functions of n-heneicosane and n-docosane were reported for the first time in this work, as far as we know. This research work would provide accurate and reliable thermodynamic properties for further study of n-alkanes-based PCMs for thermal energy storage applications.     

Nonaqueous polystyrene dispersions: Radical dispersion polymerization in the presence of ab block copolymers of polystyrene and poly(dimethyl siloxane)

Well defined AB block copolymers of polystyrene and poly(dimethyl siloxane) have been used as stabilizers in the dispersion polymerisation of styrene in n-alkanes. The dependences of the particle size and particle size distribution on the relative block lengths in the copolymer have been studied. From phase separation studies of polystyrene in n-alkanes, both in the presence and absence of AB block copolymer, the threshold molecular weight for precipitation has been determined. An understanding of the dispersion polymerization kinetics and the broad particle size distribution follows from the relatively high solubility of low molecular weight polystyrene in n-alkanes.     

Diffusion of linear paraffins in silicalite studied by the ZLC method in the presence of CO2

The diffusion behavior of C₄–C₁₀ n-alkanes in silicalite-1 has been investigated by using the Zero Length Column method. The diffusivities derived from measurements at different purge rates with different purge gases confirming intracrystalline diffusion control. Data are compared with results reported in the literature for MFI zeolites. The diffusivities were found to be consistent and agree well with data previous obtained by ZLC. However, these data showed a remarkable disagreement with other reported techniques (PFG-NMR, QENS and Permeation). The eventual influence of carbon dioxide (CO₂) adsorption on diffusion properties of n-alkanes in silicalite was also investigated. For this purpose, a series of experiments was performed involving hydrocarbons mixed with CO₂. Data were obtained at 303 K and flow rates between 20 and 80 mL/min. The presence of CO₂ does not seem to influence the intracrystalline transport rate of the investigated light hydrocarbons (n-C₄ and n-C₆). On the other hand, the situation for n-C₈ and n-C₁₀ is more complex. The diffusivity values are higher compared to the previously reported values.     

Application of hollow fiber liquid-phase microextraction in identification of oil spill sources

In this study, hollow fiber based liquid-phase microextraction (HF-LPME), coupled with GC, GC–MS and GC–IRMS detections, was employed to determine petroleum hydrocarbons in spilled oils. According to the results, the HF-LPME method collected more low-molecular weight components, such as C₇–C₁₁n-alkanes, naphthalene, and phenanthrene, than those collected in conventional liquid–liquid extraction (LLE). The results also showed that this method had no remarkable effect on the distributions of high-molecular weight compounds such as >C₁₈n-alkanes, C₁–C₃ phenanthrene, and hopanes. Also, the carbon isotopic compositions of individual n-alkanes in the two preparation processes were identical. Accordingly, HF-LPME, as a simple, fast, and inexpensive sample preparation technique, could become a promising method for the identification of oil spill sources.     

Potential functions of internal rotation in <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-alkanes and its contribution to thermodynamic properties

The potential functions of braked internal rotation V(?) in n-alkanes (ethane, propane, butane, n-pentane, n-hexane, n-heptane) were calculated by ab initio and DFT methods with the 6-311++G(3df,3pd) basis set. The functions were approximated as a series of six cosines. The dependences of V(?) on the length of the hydrocarbon chain in n-alkanes were analyzed. The heights of the trans-cis and trans-gauche barriers and the differences between the energies of the trans and gauche conformers were calculated and compared with the experimental data. From the calculated geometric parameters and V(?), the contributions of the braked internal rotation to the enthalpy, entropy, heat capacity, and Gibbs free energy at 298 K were determined. The contributions of internal rotations are transferable within the framework of additive approaches. The generalized function V _av(?) for n-alkanes and averaged contributions of internal rotation of the C-C bonds and CH₃- and -CH₂- tops to the thermodynamic properties were suggested.     

Diffusion of n-alkanes in mesoporous 5A zeolites by ZLC method

Diffusion properties of mesostructured zeolite 5A were investigated by employing n-alkanes as probe molecules using the zero length column (ZLC) method. The mesopores were found to enhance molecule diffusion. Moreover, the effective diffusion time constant (D _eff/R ²) increased with mesoporosity in the zeolites between 308 K and 393 K, whereas the activation energy decreased with increasing mesopore volume. The effective diffusivity values of n-alkanes in mesoporous zeolite 5A were generally higher than that the microporous zeolite 5A sample. This clearly implied the important role of the mesopore in zeolites crystals in facilitating the transport of reaction molecules due to shorter average diffusion path length and less steric hindrance.     

Cole-Cole plot analysis of dielectric behavior of monoalkyl ethers of polyethylene glycol (CnEm)

The complex permittivity of monoalkyl ether of polyethylene glycol (C_nE_m) was measured at 336.5 K at frequencies from 0.2 to 20 GHz. The number of bonded ethylene glycol units was varied from 1 to 120 to observe the effect of the PEG-chain length on the dielectric permittivity of the whole polymer. The measured real and imaginary parts of complex permittivity of these polymers were studied by the graphical analysis of the Cole-Cole plot as proposed by Havriliak and Negami. This analysis makes us understand that, in the high-frequency region above 9.7 GHz, the Cole-Cole plot of all C_nE_m is located on one single line. This phenomenon implies the same relaxation mechanism of all C_nE_m in this frequency region. It is found that the same relaxation mechanism of the dipoles of the hydroxyl group in n-alcohol contributes to the dipole relaxation of C_nE_m. In the low-frequency region, the arc of the Cole-Cole plot has the same shape as pure PEG, but it is scaled-down linearly following the decrease of the number of PEG units bonded to the n-alkanes. This phenomenon explains the linear contribution of ether dipoles, existing in bonded PEGs, on the complex permittivity of C_nE_m in the low-frequency region.     

Determination of n-Alkanes in Jet Fuel by Cold-electron Ionization Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry

A rapid, easy, and reliable method was developed for the characterization of jet fuel with minimal sample preparation. A standard solution of 13 aliphatic n-alkanes in hexane was used to evaluate and validate the separation using cold-electron ionization gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The method was evaluated and validated by the linearity, accuracy, and precision for all analytes. The limits of detection and quantification for each n-alkane were also evaluated. Nine major n-alkanes from n-octane to n-hexadecane were positively identified and quantified in jet fuel due to the enhanced molecular ion in the mass spectra. Major n-alkanes and their corresponding isomers in jet fuel were also identified from the extracted ion chromatograms. n-Undecane, n-dodecane, n-tridecane, and n-tetradecane were present at the highest concentrations in jet fuel at approximately 7% (v/v). The total concentrations of total straight chain alkanes were 34–37% in jet fuel that was comparable with the standard value of 32%.     

Speed of sound in liquid cyclic alkanes at temperatures between (283 and 343) K and pressures up to 20 MPa

The speed of sound in liquid cyclopentane, cyclohexane, methylcyclopentane and methylcyclohexane were measured, with a sing-around technique operated at a frequency of 2 MHz, at temperatures from (283 to 343) K and pressures up to 20 MPa with an estimated error of less than ± 0.2 per cent in the high-density region. From these measurements the densities and isobaric and isentropic compressibilities of each compound were estimated. The behaviour on the temperature and pressure in these quantities is discussed based on the difference in molecular shape between cyclic and normal alkanes with those for n-alkanes.