Insights from Nitrogen Compounds in Gas Oils Highlighted by High-Resolution Fourier Transform Mass Spectrometry

Twenty-three gas oil samples from different origins were analyzed in positive and negative ion modes by electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI(+/-)-FT-ICR MS). Sample ionization and ion transfer conditions were first optimized using Design of Experiment approach. Advanced characterization of basic and neutral nitrogen compounds in these samples was then performed through ESI(+/-)-FT-ICR MS analysis. A good repeatability was observed from the analysis of six replicates for each gas oil sample. Significant differences in molecular composition were spotted between the gas oils, either considering identified heteroatomic classes or within nitrogen families and were later correlated to samples macroscopic properties. The evolution of nitrogen relative intensities for one feed and two corresponding effluents has also been studied to monitor hydrotreatment reaction pathways toward aromaticity and alkylation levels evolutions.