Differentiation of primary, secondary and tertiary aromatic amines in fossil fuels using trifluoroacylation. 1, Analytical methodology

Abstract

An analytical method which distinguishes between primary, secondary and tertiary amines has been developed. Trifluoroacetic anhydride, with 4-pyrrolidinopyridine as a catalyst, is used to form di- and mono-trifluoroacylated derivatives of primary and secondary aromatic amines, respectively. Tertiary aromatic amines such as quinoline do not react. GC/MS is then used to analyze the derivatized samples. Retention indices and response factors (relative to 4-fluoroaniline) are reported for >50 pure compounds known or expected to be present in fossil fuel base fractions. Also, results from the analysis of base fractions from mildly hydrotreated SRC II coal liquids and petroleum-derived light cycle oils will be reported.