Characterization of Oxygenates in Zhundong Subbituminous Coal by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

ABSTRACTZhundong subbituminous coal was extracted with isometric carbon disulfide/acetone mixed solvent at room temperature and the residue was subjected to thermal dissolution in methanol from 50 to 200°C. According to gas chromatography–mass spectrometric analysis, the soluble portions (SPs) consist of alkanes, alkenes, arenes, phenols, esters, ketones, alcohols, aldehydes, nitrogenates, and sulfonates, among which oxygenates are the most abundant. Raising the dissolution temperature increased the SP yields. Esterification and transesterification resulting in the cleavage of oxygen-containing bridged bonds caused the generation of esters at temperatures over 100°C.