Use of Isotopic Analysis for Determination of Aromatic Hydrocarbons Produced From Methane

Abstract

Benzene and xylene are described having a unique distribution of deuterium and 13 C such that δ(deuterium) for each of the benzene and xylene is less than −250 and δ( 13 C) for the benzene is greater than −36 and for xylene is less than −24, wherein δ(deuterium)=( R′ sample /R′ standard −1)×1000 where R′ sample is the ratio of deuterium to hydrogen in the benzene/xylene; and R′ standard is the ratio of the natural abundance of deuterium to the natural abundance of hydrogen; and wherein δ( 13 C )=( R″ sample /R″ standard −1)×1000 where R″ sample is the ratio of 13 C to 12 C in the benzene/xylene; and R″ standard is the ratio of the natural abundance of 13 C to the natural abundance of 12 C.

1 .- 37 . (canceled) 
     
     
         38 . Benzene derivatives containing a benzene ring comprising deuterium and  13 C in amounts such that δ(deuterium) for the benzene ring is less than −250 or δ( 13 C) for the benzene ring is less than −24, wherein δ(deuterium) and δ( 13 C) are as defined as follows:
   δ(deuterium)=( R′   sample   /R′   standard −1)×1000
 
 where R′ sample  is the ratio of deuterium to hydrogen in the benzene; and 
 R′ standard  is the ratio of the natural abundance of deuterium to the natural abundance of hydrogen; and
   δ( 13   C )=( R″   sample   /R″   standard −1)×1000
 
 
 where R″ sample  is the ratio of  13 C to  12 C in the benzene; and R″ standard  is the ratio of the natural abundance of  13 C to the natural abundance of  12 C; 
 the benzene derivative being produced by a process comprising dehydrocyclization of methane. 
 
     
     
         39 . The benzene derivative as claimed in  claim 38 , wherein the δ(deuterium) value for the benzene is greater than −450 and less than −250. 
     
     
         40 . The benzene derivative as claimed in  claim 38 , wherein the δ( 13 C) value for the benzene is greater than −36 and less than −24. 
     
     
         41 . The benzene derivative as claimed in  claim 38 , wherein the δ(deuterium) value for the benzene is greater than −450 and less than −250, and wherein the δ( 13 C) value for the benzene is greater than −36 and less than −24.