A Simple and Rapid Method to Separate Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Petroleum

In this study open column medium pressure liquid chromatographic (OCMPLC) procedure has been used for quantitative separation of di-, tri-, tetra- and higher aromatic hydrocarbons from petroleum. Neutral alumina is used as adsorbent and mixtures of n-hexane and diethyl ether of increasing polarity as eluent. The separation procedure has been monitored by ultraviolet (UV) lamp. Analysis by capillary GC-FID confirms the separation and minimum overlapping between the fractions. The method is applicable for preparative separation of aromatic hydrocarbons from complex mixtures.