Gas Chromatographic-Mass Spectrometric Analysis of Paraffinic Hydrocarbons in Animal Products

Abstract

The recent technique developed by Ryhage which combines gas chromatography and mass spectrometry by means of a molecular separator has been applied to the analysis of paraffins extracted from cattle manure. Normal alkanes from C₂₁ to C₃₅ have been found. The three major constituents are n-nonacosane (C₂₉), n-hentriacontane (C₃₁) and n-tritriacontane (C₃₃). Odd carbon-number alkanes are several times more abundant than even carbon-number alkanes. The average odd-to-even ratio is approximately 5 in the C₂₄-C₃₄ range. The distribution of paraffins is similar to that found in pasture plants.