NMR Spectroscopy in the Characterization of Eight Selected Asphalts

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has been used to partially characterize eight selected asphalts. This report describes the initial efforts in this endeavor. Proton and carbon spectra have been collected and analyzed for percent aromatic content as well as aromatic substitution. DEFT results, chemical shifts and literature precedent have been used to assign the major resonances in the aliphatic region to chemical entities. Finally, using elemental analysis data, molecular weight data and NMR results, average structures for the eight asphalts have been derived