Microelements in chromatographic fractions of petroleum resins and asphaltenes from Russian crude oil

1. 1. Neutron-activation analysis was used to determine 13 microelements in resin-asphalt components of Russian petroleum and products of extraction-chromatographic separation. The concentration of almost all microelements is much higher in asphaltenes than in resins. Vandium atoms are concentrated mainly in non-porphyrinic molecules with moderate polarity and increased aromaticity; during chromatographic separation the other micro-elements accumulate mainly in high-polarity fractions of increased oxygen and sulphur contents. 2. 2. Fe- and Na-containing components of Russian petroleum are of low stability and easily break down on contact with the active surface of adsorbents; as a result 77-98% of these elements are eliminated from the organic phase during chromatograpy. V, Ag, Hg, Mn, Ni, Co and Zn form much stronger complexes with asphaltenes and resins; some 70% are retained in compounds of high molar mass after adsorption.