Nitrogen compound distribution in a heating oil

A Number 1 fuel heating oil was studied for the organo‐nitrogen content. The organo‐nitrogen compounds were isolated by mild acid extraction followed by silica gel adsorption. Three extracts were studied ‐ a basic nitrogen extract in methylene chloride, a nonbasic nitrogen extract in methyl alcohol and a nonbasic nitrogen extract in methylene chloride. The major constituents of each extract were identified by GC/MS. There were seven major classes of nitrogen compounds detected in each extract. These compounds included alkyl‐substituted carbazoles, indoles, pyrazines, pyridines, pyrroles, quinolines and tetrahydroquinolines. The nitrogen content and distribution was compared to both tar‐sands and shale derived fuels.