Abstract: | Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (6-, 5-, 4- and 3-ring) were characterized in several shale oil samples. Open-column, dry-column and thin-layer chromatography were used in the separation steps. Visible fluorescence from the separated components on chromatoplates was measured directly to obtain fluorescence profiles of the distribution on the chromatoplates. The methods developed are inexpensive, reproducible, and allow rapid characterization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in shale oil samples. |