| Abstract
| - Asphaltenes are defined in terms of their solubility classification. This operational definitioncombined with the previous controversy over asphaltene molecular weight have obscured thegoverning chemical and structural parameters that define the asphaltene fraction. Here,asphaltenes are investigated by several techniques to elucidate relations between structure andproperties. In particular, the asphaltene molecular size is compared to the ratio of aromatic tosaturated carbon. The conclusion is obtained that asphaltene molecular structure is governed bythe balance between the propensity of fused aromatic ring systems to stack via π-bonding, reducingsolubility, vs the steric disruption of stacking due alkane groups, increasing solubility.
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