Molecular weights of solubilized lignite macromolecules

Abstract

The determination of molecular weights and molecular weight distributions in humic acids derived from lignite by base extraction has been successfully carried out by low-angle laser light scattering (LALLS) photometry and by coupling size exclusion chromatography (SEC) with LALLS photometry. Since light scattering techniques give absolute molecular weight values, no error-prone calibrations of the size exclusion column were necessary. Reduction of soluble derivatives of the humic acids with zinc in acetic anhydride was required to reduce the optical absorbance so that a linear scattering response was observable. Weight average molecular weights of ≈ 1.3 × 10 6 and low polydispersity ratios were obtained for humic acid derivatives of Beulah, ND, lignite. Extension of this technique to the study of the more highly crosslinked humin which comprises the major portion of the lignite was investigated by treatment of the lignite with sodium hydroxide solution in a blender. This treatment converted up to 90% of the lignite into humic acids, which could be derivatized and studied by the LALLS techniques. The molecular weights of the products from lowtemperature solubilization of the lignite are inversely proportional to the per cent conversion.