NMR Analysis of Sulfur Compounds in Petroleum

Authors

Kanning Wu, Western Kentucky University

Publication Date

7-1992

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

Thomas Green, Robert Holman, John Reasoner

Degree Program

Department of Chemistry

Degree Type

Master of Science

Abstract

The speciation and quantification of organic sulfur forms in fossil fuel is an area of research. This thesis describes an NMR method which offers potential for identifying and possibly quantifying both nonvolatile and volatile sulfur forms in fossil fuels. The method is based on the methylation of sulfur compounds to form methyl sulfonium salts:

RSR + Ch₃I --> (R₂S+-Ch₃)I^~

We propose to apply this chemistry to the analysis of sulfur functions in fossil fuels. The sulfur functions are methylated using ¹³C-enriched methyl iodide. The products are then analyzed by ¹³C NMR spectroscopy to establish the chemical shifts of the added methyl carbons. The chemical shifts are then correlated against those of known sulfonium salts.

Disciplines

Chemistry | Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Recommended Citation

Wu, Kanning, "NMR Analysis of Sulfur Compounds in Petroleum" (1992). Masters Theses & Specialist Projects. Paper 3004.
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/3004