5.1 Test methods to determine benzene and the aromatic content of gasoline are necessary to assess product quality and to meet fuel regulations.

5.2 This test method can be used for gasolines that contain oxygenates (alcohols and ethers) as additives. It has been determined that the common oxygenates found in finished gasoline do not interfere with the analysis of benzene and other aromatics by this test method.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of benzene, toluene, other specified individual aromatic compounds, and total aromatics in finished motor gasoline, including gasolines containing oxygenated blending components, by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS).

1.2 This test method has been tested for the following concentration ranges, in liquid volume percent, for the following aromatics: benzene, 0.1 % to 4 %; toluene, 1 % to 13 %; and total (C6 to C12) aromatics, 10 % to 42 %. The round-robin study did not test the method for individual hydrocarbon process streams in a refinery, such as reformates, fluid catalytic cracked naphthas, and so forth, used in the blending of gasolines.

1.3 Results are reported to the nearest 0.01 % for benzene and 0.1 % for the other aromatics by liquid volume.

1.4 This test method includes a relative bias section for EPA spark-ignition engine fuel benzene regulations reporting based on Practice D6708 accuracy assessment between Test Method D5769 and Test Method D3606 as a possible Test Method D5769 alternative to Test Method D3606. The Practice D6708 derived correlation equation is only applicable for blended fuels in the benzene concentration range from 0.0 % to 2.50 % by volume as measured by Test Method D5769. The applicable Test Method D3606 range for benzene is from 0.0 % to 2.47 % by volume as reported by Test Method D3606.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, 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 its use.