1.1 This test method covers an analytical scheme using the mass spectrometer to determine the hydrocarbon types present in virgin middle distillates 204 to 343°C (400 to 650°F) boiling range, 5 to 95 volume% as determined by Method D86. Samples with average carbon number value of paraffins between C 12 and C 16 and containing paraffins from C 10 and C 18 can be analyzed. Eleven hydrocarbon types are determined. These include:paraffins, noncondensed cycloparaffins, condensed dicycloparaffins, condensed tricycloparaffins, alkylbenzenes, indans or tetralins, or both, CnH n- 10 (indenes, etc.), naphthalenes, CnH n- 14 (acenaphthenes, etc.), CnH n- 16 (acenaphthylenes, etc.), and tricyclic aromatics.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are for information only.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For a specific hazard statement, see 10.1.