Semi-quantitative determination of thiols in light naphtha via derivatisation and high-resolution 1H NMR spectroscopy

Abstract

Thiols present in an Iraqi light naphtha (36–110 °C) were extracted with 0.25% sodium hydroxide solution and derivatised with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene to yield the corresponding sulphides. The sulphide structures obtained and their relative concentrations were determined using 300 MHz high-resolution ¹H NMR. Homo-decoupling was used to aid the determination of each sulphide structure and to reveal hidden peaks. Authentic thiols and propyl 2,4-dinitrophenyl sulphide spectra were also used.