ADVANCES IN MOLECULAR COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE OF ASPHALTENE

Abstract

Abstract: Asphalt is the most polar and complex component in residue, and studying its molecular composition and structure is of great significance for achieving asphalt conversion and efficient utilization of petroleum resources. This article reviews the research progress on the relative molecular weight, chemical composition, and molecular structure of asphaltene, summarizes the structure of heteroatoms in asphaltene, discusses the structural characteristics of continental asphaltene, and looks forward to the direction of asphaltene conversion research in residue processing technologies. In summary, it is concluded that the relative molecular weight of asphaltenes is approximately 750, with the majority falling within the range of 500 - 1 000. Most asphaltene molecules contain heteroatoms. These molecules are categorized into archipelago-type and continental-type structures, with the predominant form being continental-type molecules characterized by peri-condensed aromatic cores. On average, asphaltene molecules contain 7 - 8 aromatic rings.

Key words: asphaltene molecule, composition structure, continental asphaltene, heteroatom

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