Biphenol ether compounds as markers for liquid hydrocarbons and other fuels and oils
A method for marking a petroleum hydrocarbon or a liquid biologically derived fuel by adding to the petroleum hydrocarbon or liquid biologically derived fuel at least one compound having formula (I), wherein R represents C 1 -C 18 alkyl, C 3 -C 18 alkenyl or C 3 -C 18 alkynyl.
1. A method for marking a petroleum hydrocarbon or a liquid biologically derived fuel; said method comprising adding to said petroleum hydrocarbon or liquid biologically derived fuel at least one compound having formula (I),
wherein R represents C 4 -C 16 alkyl or C 4 -C 16 alkenyl; and wherein each compound of formula (I) is present at a level from 0.01 ppm to 20 ppm.
2. A method for marking a petroleum hydrocarbon or a liquid biologically derived fuel; said method comprising adding to said petroleum hydrocarbon or liquid biologically derived fuel at least one compound having formula (I),
wherein R represents C 1 -C 18 alkyl, C 3 -C 18 alkenyl or C 3 -C 18 alkenyl; each compound of formula (I) is present at a level from 0.01 ppm to 10 ppm and in which —OR groups are in 2,2′-positions on benzene rings in formula (I).
3. The method of claim 2 in which R represents C 2 -C 18 alkyl or C 3 -C 18 alkenyl.
4. The method of claim 3 in which R represents C 3 -C 16 alkyl or C 3 -C 16 alkenyl.
5. The method of claim 4 further comprising detecting the compounds of formula (I) by mass spectral analysis.
6. The method of claim 5 in which R represents C 4 -C 16 alkyl.
7. The method of claim 6 in which said petroleum hydrocarbon or liquid biologically derived fuel is a petroleum hydrocarbon, biodiesel fuel or ethanol fuel.