Separation of hydrogenated terphenyls by gas chromatography and interpretation of their infra-red and ultra-violet spectra

In the separation of commercial mixtures of hydrogenated terphenyls (HB-40 (Monsanto) and OMP-H (Progil) satisfactory results were obtained, as regards the collection of fractions, using columns 2 m in length packed with 20 % Apiezon L on Chromosorb and, as regards total separation, using Apiezon L Macrogolay columns. The relative retentions, determined at temperatures between 185 and 300 deg. C, for the components of a mixture of triphenylmethane and anthracene were investigated in columns of Apiezon L, silicone SE-30, SE-31 and W-95, and silicone oil SF-96. The infra-red and ultra-violet spectra of the components were studied, the following structures being assigned to them in the order of their appearance in the chromatogram: o-terphenyl, o-phenylcyclohexylbenzene, m-dicyclohexylbenzene, phenylcyclohexylcyclohexane, p-dicyclohexylbenzene, m-phenylcyclohexylbenzene and p-phenylcyclohexylbenzene. (author)