Analysis of branched hydrocarbon mixtures

When determining the degree of branching of hydrocarbon mixtures by means of physical constants, especially those physical constants or functions thereof should be chosen that show the necessary sensitivity to the presence of branchings. Particularly the parachor and the magneto-optical rotation have found application. 

There are mainly two problems that hamper the development of reliable methods for the analysis of branched hydrocarbon mixtures. 

In the first place an unambiguous definition of the degree of ramification is very difficult, especially for naphthenic hydrocarbons, which are generally present in hydrocarbon mixtures. De Booijs29 gave the following definition  

90 — the number of n-alkyl groups building up the hydrocarbon molecule, minus one 

The naphthenic ring is thus considered as a form of branching that contributes three times as much as a side chain. 

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