Saturates consist of parafRnic and naphthenic compounds.
If oleRns are present in the sample, they are usually grouped with saturates.
Aromatics range from alkylbenzenes (and other monoaromatics) to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
The polars are usually aromatic in nature and consist of compounds that may contain nitrogen, sulfur and oxygen as heteroatoms.
Asphaltenes are highly condensed aromatic structures.
Conventional TLC with silica and alumina adsorbents provides separation of components from crude
oils based on their polarity.
TLC with Same ionization detection (TLC-FID) has been applied for the determination of hydrocarbon types.
SEC has been particularly useful for the characterization of heavy crude oil fractions.