Gas chromatographic analysis of C2−C16 dicarboxylic acids esterified in aqueous solutions as n-propyl esters

Summary C₂−C₁₆ dicarboxylic acids were esterified in aqueous solution in the presence of sulfuric acid. Esterification in water/n-propanol mixtures with mole ratios between 0.03 and 2.21 can be utilized for the quantitative determination of dicarboxylic acids by gas chromatography. The presence of water does not interfere at water/n-propanol mole ratios below 0.45. For mole ratios above 0.45 anhydrous sodium sulfate has been used for binding the water. The mole ratio range tested was 0.12–0.99 for anhydrous sodium sulfate/water, and 0.16–2.55 for sulfuric acid/anhydrous sodium sulfate.