Formation of Modified Wax in the Process of Peat Esterification

Abstract

The results of a modifying treatment of peat with methyl alcohol under the process conditions of esterification are presented. The group and individual composition of the products obtained were studied by column, thin-layer, and gas chromatography; IR and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy; and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. Factors affecting the intensity of the extraction process and the formation of modified wax fractions were revealed. The role of methyl alcohol in the processes of tar removal and wax modification was considered. The contribution of the natural wax substances of the original plant material and methyl esters, the esterification products of peat C₂₄–C₃₀ fatty acids, to the formation of modified wax was established. The dominance of fatty acids, alkanes, alkanols, triterpenes, and steroids in the composition of extraction tars was revealed. The effect of the esterification process on the fragment composition of humic substances extracted from peat was shown.