A novel capped Pd nano-particle GC–MS technique for the identification of terpenoid sulfoxides in petroleum condensates

Abstract

Capped palladium (Pd) nano-particle column chromatography was first used to separate a novel series of high molecular weight terpenoid sulfoxides (HMTSs) from petroleum condensate oil within the heterocyclic polyaromatic sulfur compound (S-PAH) fraction. The separation technique was based on complex formation between nano-sized heavy charged Pd2+ ions and sulfoxide ligands. HMTSs were identified by interpretation of GC–MS fragmentation patterns. The infrared spectra of the pre-isolated S-PAH fraction confirmed the presence of sulfoxide groups with an absorption band at 1264cm−1. The novel HMTS series included three members with the general formula C20H34OSR (main compound C25H44OS). The mass spectra of these three compounds were characterized by a major fragment ion at m/z 322. We identified a relationship between oil emergence and HTMS structure, indicating a base cross-linked macromolecular structure for the tested petroleum condensates and volatile oils. Atomic emission detection (AED) was unable to detect HMTS in spite of its sulfur atoms, most likely due to the high carbon to sulfur atom ratio producing quenching.