Application of microscale-preparative multidimensional gas chromatography with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy for identification of pure methylnaphthalenes from crude oils

Graham Eyres, Sylvia Urban, Paul Morrison, Philip Marriott

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Abstract

Mass spectrometry is often insufficient to distinguish between structural isomers, requiring confirmation using NMR spectroscopy. Here, a novel preparative technique based upon capillary multidimensional gas chromatography to isolate pure volatile components from complex samples is described. The method was developed through isolation of 1,4-dimethoxybenzene (5.2 mu g. 10 injections) from a peppermint essential oil. Then isomers of 1- and 2-methylnaphthalene were isolated from a complex crude oil in sufficient amounts (3.1 mu g, 38 injections and 5.0 mu g, 35 injections) for discrimination using (1)H NMR spectroscopy. This methodology is applicable to identify any volatile molecule in complex matrices requiring confirmation using NMR spectroscopy.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)168 - 176
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Chromatography A
Volume1215
Issue number1-2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2008
Externally publishedYes

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