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

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 SI units of measurement are preferred and used throughout 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to its use.