Petrochemical & Hydrocarbon Chemicals

Comprehensive testing of petrochemical feedstocks, intermediates, and finished products for purity, composition, and byproducts. Analytical data supports process control, product development, and environmental safety.

High-Purity n-Heptane and Isooctane

Overview

High-purity n-heptane and isooctane are critical reference fuels and solvents widely used in laboratories and industrial applications, particularly for octane rating and analytical testing. Ensuring their purity is essential, as trace impurities can significantly influence performance, calibration accuracy, and testing outcomes. Routine analysis of these hydrocarbons verifies chemical composition, detects contaminants, and confirms compliance with stringent quality specifications required in fuel, petrochemical, and research settings.

Test Methods

ASTM D2268-93

Solutions

Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID) provides a highly reliable and sensitive method for analyzing high-purity n-heptane and isooctane. GC separates individual hydrocarbon components based on their volatility and polarity, while the FID precisely quantifies each component through combustion ionization. This technique delivers excellent repeatability, sensitivity, and linearity, making it ideal for purity testing and impurity profiling. By using GC-FID, laboratories can ensure consistent quality control, accurate characterization, and verification of high-purity hydrocarbon standards.

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Impurities in Monocyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Overview

Monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX) are fundamental raw materials in petrochemical and industrial processes. The presence of trace impurities in these compounds can affect downstream reactions, product quality, and compliance with purity standards. Accurate determination of these impurities is essential to ensure consistency, safety, and performance in applications ranging from chemical synthesis to fuel production and solvent manufacturing.

Test Methods

ASTM D5917-12

Solutions

Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID) offers a precise and efficient technique for identifying and quantifying trace impurities in monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. GC provides excellent separation of closely related aromatic compounds, while the FID delivers sensitive and linear detection across a wide concentration range. This method enables laboratories to detect even minute contamination levels, ensuring product integrity and adherence to regulatory or industry purity specifications. By using GC-FID, analysts can maintain reliable quality control and verify the high-purity standards of aromatic hydrocarbon produ

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Benzene in Hydrocarbon Solvents

Overview

Benzene is a volatile aromatic compound classified as a hazardous air pollutant and a known carcinogen. Even at trace levels, its presence in hydrocarbon solvents poses health, environmental, and regulatory concerns. Monitoring benzene concentration is therefore essential to ensure solvent purity, product safety, and compliance with strict international standards. Accurate determination of trace benzene supports quality assurance in industries such as petrochemical processing, coatings, and fuel production.

Test Methods

ASTM D6229-06

Solutions

Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID) provides a highly sensitive and reliable approach for detecting trace benzene in hydrocarbon solvents. The GC system effectively separates benzene from other hydrocarbon components, while the FID quantifies it with excellent precision and linearity over a wide concentration range. This method offers rapid analysis, minimal sample preparation, and consistent reproducibility. By applying GC-FID, laboratories can confidently monitor benzene levels, verify product purity, and ensure adherence to environmental and safety regulations.

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AMS (α-Methylstyrene)

Overview

α-Methylstyrene (AMS) is an important intermediate in the production of resins, plastics, and specialty chemicals. Its purity directly affects the quality and performance of end products such as acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) polymers and adhesives. Monitoring AMS composition and detecting trace impurities are essential to ensure product consistency, optimize manufacturing processes, and comply with industrial quality specifications. Accurate analysis helps maintain the reliability and stability of materials derived from AMS.

Test Methods

ASTM D6144-13

Solutions

Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID) is an effective and precise technique for analyzing α-methylstyrene and its impurities. The GC efficiently separates AMS from structurally similar aromatic compounds, while the FID provides sensitive, quantitative detection of both major and minor components. This method offers excellent repeatability, fast analysis time, and broad linearity, making it ideal for routine quality control. By using GC-FID, laboratories can ensure AMS purity, confirm compliance with production standards, and support consistent product performance across applications.

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Phenols and Slip Additives in Polymers

Overview

Phenolic antioxidants and erucamide slip additives are key components in polypropylene homopolymer formulations, playing crucial roles in enhancing stability and processability. Phenolic antioxidants protect the polymer from oxidative degradation during manufacturing and use, while erucamide acts as a slip and antiblock agent, improving surface properties and handling performance. Accurate determination of these additives ensures proper formulation balance, long-term material performance, and compliance with product specifications in packaging, automotive, and consumer goods applications.

Test Methods

ASTM D6042-09

Solutions

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Ultraviolet Detection (HPLC-UV) offers a precise and efficient method for quantifying phenolic antioxidants and erucamide in polypropylene homopolymers. The HPLC system effectively separates these compounds based on polarity and molecular structure, while the UV detector provides sensitive and selective detection at characteristic absorption wavelengths. This technique delivers reliable quantification with minimal sample preparation, ensuring consistency and repeatability. By applying HPLC-UV, laboratories can verify additive concentrations, maintain formulation quality, and support regulatory compliance for polypropylene products.

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Halocarbons

Overview

Halocarbons, a class of compounds containing carbon bonded to halogen atoms such as chlorine, fluorine, or bromine, are widely used as refrigerants, propellants, solvents, and intermediates in chemical manufacturing. Due to their volatility and environmental impact—particularly their role in ozone depletion and greenhouse gas emissions—accurate identification and quantification of halocarbons are essential. Monitoring their concentration in industrial products and environmental samples ensures safety, quality control, and compliance with environmental regulations.

Test Methods

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Solutions

Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID) provides a robust and sensitive method for analyzing halocarbons in various matrices. The GC efficiently separates halocarbon compounds based on their boiling points and polarity, while the FID detects and quantifies them with high accuracy and reproducibility. This technique offers rapid analysis, excellent resolution, and a wide dynamic range, making it ideal for routine monitoring and quality assurance. By using GC-FID, laboratories can ensure reliable detection of halocarbons, support environmental compliance, and maintain product integrity across industrial applications.

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SpectraLab Scientific Inc
Established in 2003,

About Us

SpectraLab Scientific is a global leader of Refurbished analytical equipment. We specialize in reconditioning equipment, integrating the best available technologies from leading manufacturers across the industry. We are committed to quality and service, delivering strong customer satisfaction. We stock over 10,000 pre-owned lab equipment, components, and mix-and-match parts for your systems.