An improved method for the micro-separation of straight chain and branched/cyclic alkanes: Urea inclusion paper layer chromatography

We report a convenient paper layer chromatographic method involving urea inclusion for the separation of straight chain and branched/cyclic alkanes in saturated fractions from sedimentary organic matter. Compared with the well-known 5 A molecular sieving and traditional urea adduction methods, urea paper layer chromatography is more effective, simple and economic.