Extraction of Avgamasya asphaltite with sub- and supercritical solvents

Abstract

Abstract The yields and the nature of the products from the solvent extraction of Avgamasya asphaltite of SE Turkey with benzene and toluene under Soxhlet, subcritical (up to 292 °C) and supercritical (350–450 °C) conditions are reported. The subcritical yield increases with temperature but also depends on pressure; the extra yield is mainly of asphaltenes. The 350 °C supercritical toluene extract shows little evidence of thermal degradation and is similar in yield and chemical nature to that obtained under subcritical conditions except that it contains more pentane-soluble material. At 450 °C the yield is increased and a number of pyrolytic effects are observed, including reduction in molecular mass, loss of heterocyclic and alkyl groups and the presence of toluene decomposition products.