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U.S. Department of Energy
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Liquid chromatographic mobile phase optimization, prediction of retention, and characterization of hydroxyl aromatics in coal liquids

Thesis/Dissertation ·
OSTI ID:6975172

Mobile phases were optimized for the reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) of complex hydroxyl aromatic mixtures using a method based on solubility parameter. Complete resolution of the complex mixtures was not possible under the conditions investigated. Therefore, the limitations of the reversed-phase chromatographic systems were also defined. The solubility parameter and window diagram optimization methods were compared for the first time. The study revealed that the solubility parameter method predicted much better optimum mobile phase compositions for the mixtures. Furthermore, the solubility parameter method reduced uncertainties for secondary mobile phase optima. An overall separation method was developed for complex hydroxyl aromatic fractions isolated from nondistillable coal-derived liquids. Hydroxyl aromatic fractions were isolated from nondistillable coal-derived liquids using a Chromosorb-T/basic alumina procedure. The fractions were further separated using normal- and reversed-phase liquid chromatography. The normal-phase method, based on model compound retention data, effected the separation of hydroxyl aromatics into mono-and dihydroxyl fractions. The mono-and dihydroxyl fractions were characterized with infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance and field ionization mass spectrometry (FIMS). A monohydroxyl fraction of oils from Kentucky 9/14 nondistillable coal-derived liquid was separated with an optimum reversed-phase chromatographic system and characterized with FIMS. The combination of RPLC/FIMS provided strong support for the existence of several model monohydroxyl aromatic compounds in the Kentucky coal liquid sample.

Research Organization:
Wyoming Univ., Laramie (USA)
OSTI ID:
6975172
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English