文摘
A two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC–TOFMS) method was developed for the hydrocarbon class composition analysis and benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) estimation of raffinate column bottom (RCB), which is generated as a by-product from linear alkyl benzene (LAB) plants. The molecular level characterization of RCB is important to generate value-added products for the petrochemical industry. GC×GC–TOFMS was found to be an excellent tool for estimation of hydrocarbon class composition (paraffins, naphthenes, monoaromatics, diaromatics, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons) and trace level BTEX in a single run. The hydrocarbon class composition was validated with the standard method based on HPLC (ASTM D6591) and good correlation was obtained. Finally, RCB is anticipated to be a useful nonhazardous safe by-product which could be used further for generating added value.