Sample dimensionality petrochemicals

Unlike most other samples that have to be analysed, petrochemical samples generally contain a limited number of classes of compounds, notably, alkanes, alkenes, cyclic alkanes, and aromatics with a different number of fused rings. The sample dimensionality therefore is rather limited (see below). The absolute number of compounds, however, is not only tremendous, but they all need to be analysed. In other words, the matrix itself is the goal of the analysis. So instead of looking for the needle in the haystack, the haystack itself needs to be characterised. In that respect, it is not too surprising that GCxGC from the conception of the technique on, has been developed using petrochemical samples as a subject [1,2]. 

To understand the origin of peak order and disorder in multidimensional analyses, let us extend the term sample dimensionality in the petrochemical sample. 

Cyclic anhydrides have been studied as chemical reagents for wood modification phtalic anhydride, maleic anhydride, glutaric anhydride, succinic anhydride and alkenyl succinic anhydrides (ASA) [42]. Scots pine-treated samples with petrochemical octenyl succinic anhydrides (ASAs) dissolved in pyridine that after treatment did not present enough resistance against fungi decay but increased dimensional stability. 

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