ASTM D850-21 - 1.2.2021
 
Significance and Use

5.1This test method is suitable for setting specifications, for use as an internal quality control tool, and for use in development or research work on industrial aromatic hydrocarbons and related materials.

5.2This test method gives a broad indication of general purity and can also indicate presence of excessive moisture. It will not differentiate between products of similar boiling range.

 
1. Scope

1.1This test method covers the distillation of industrial aromatic hydrocarbons and related materials of relatively narrow boiling ranges from 30 to 250C. WarningThis test method is not applicable for styrene which will exothermically polymerize during the distillation process.

1.2The following applies to all specified limits in this test method: for the purposes of determining conformance to this test method, an observed or calculated value shall be rounded off to the nearest unit in the last right-hand digit used in expressing the specification limit, in accordance with the rounding-off method of Practice E29.

1.3WarningMercury has been designated by EPA and many state agencies as a hazardous material that can cause central nervous system, kidney and liver damage. Mercury, or its vapor, may be hazardous to health and corrosive to materials. Caution should be taken when handling mercury and mercury-containing products. See the applicable product Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for details and EPAs website (http://www.epa.gov/mercury/faq.htm) for additional information. Users should be aware that selling mercury or mercury-containing products, or both, in your state may be prohibited by state law.

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

1.5This 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. For specific hazard statements, see 6.5.2, 6.6.1, and Section 7.

1.6This 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.

 
2. Referenced Documents

E220-25

Standard Test Method for Calibration of Thermocouples by Comparison Techniques

E691-23

Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method

E1-14(2025)

Standard Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers

E133-92(2022)

Standard Specification for Distillation Equipment

D4790-25

Standard Terminology of Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Related Chemicals

D1078-11(2026)

Standard Test Method for Distillation Range of Volatile Organic Liquids

D3437-15(2022)

Standard Practice for Sampling and Handling Liquid Cyclic Products

D6809-24

Standard Guide for Quality Control and Quality Assurance Procedures for Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Related Materials

E29-22

Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications