Quantitative determination of carboxylic acids and their salts and anhydrides in asphalts by selective chemical reactions and differential infrared spectrometry

A method for determining the concentration of carboxylic acids and anhydrides in asphalts and asphalt fractions has been developed. In addition, carboxylate salts are determined independently from the free acids. The method is based on the selective interaction of triphenyltin hydroxide with free carboxylic acids, the hydrolysis of acids and anhydrides with sodium hydroxide, and the silylation of free acids and their salts. Differential spectra are used to make the quantitative determinations.