5.1 Test methods to determine oxygenates, benzene, and the aromatic content of gasoline are necessary to assess product quality and to meet new 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 quantitative determination of oxygenates: methyl-t-butylether (MTBE), di-isopropyl ether (DIPE), ethyl-t-butylether (ETBE), t-amylmethyl ether (TAME), methanol (MeOH), ethanol (EtOH), 2-propanol (2-PrOH), t-butanol (t-BuOH), 1-propanol (1-PrOH), 2-butanol (2-BuOH), i-butanol (i-BuOH), 1-butanol (1-BuOH); benzene, toluene and C₈–C₁₂ aromatics, and total aromatics in finished motor gasoline by gas chromatography/Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (GC/FTIR).

1.2 This test method covers the following concentration ranges: 0.1 % to 20 % by volume per component for ethers and alcohols; 0.1 % to 2 % by volume benzene; 1 % to 15 % by volume for toluene, 10 % to 40 % by  volume total (C₆–C₁₂) aromatics.

1.3 The method has not been tested by ASTM for refinery individual hydrocarbon process streams, such as reformates, fluid catalytic cracking naphthas, etc., used in blending of gasolines.

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

1.5 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.