Separation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by liquid chromatography on cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can be separated by liquid chromatography on cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) stationary phase using a polar solvent as eluent. The order of elution is determined primarily by the number of condensed aromatic rings Efficient separations were obtained with a column packed with 63-90 mum particles of PVP and isopropanol as eluent. Capacity factors (k') ranged from 0.3-10 for PAHS having from one to five aromatic rings, and theoretical plate heights were between 0.3 and 0.5 mm. This technique is being used to assist in the characterization of products from coal liquifaction processes.