What is it about?
During analysis of oilfield deposits for the identification of H-shaped C80 tetraacids we noticed unexpected mass spectral ions at higher m/z. Here we show that the ions were due to ethylhexyl substitution of acidic proton, and may be related to oilfield production chemicals.
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Why is it important?
Catastrophic production blockages can be caused in topside equipment under some conditions by the presence of H-shaped tetraacids in crude oil, even at low concentration of up to 30 ppm. Where these compounds have become esterified in-situ the resultant compounds may not be measured as part of a protocol for tetraacid detection.
Perspectives
We have only observed the ethylhexyl esters of H-shaped tetraacids in a couple of samples, but have noticed similar ions in other literature reports. It is interesting how laboratory analysis may inform production strategies, for example use of ethylhexanol to drive esterification and mitigate formation of calcium salts of tetraacids.
Dr Paul A Sutton
University of Plymouth
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Identification of a Novel Ester Obtained during Isolation of C80(“ARN”) Tetraprotic Acids from an Oilfield Pipeline Deposit, Energy & Fuels, October 2010, American Chemical Society (ACS),
DOI: 10.1021/ef1008743.
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