Molecular size evaluation of linear and branched paraffins from the gasoline pool by DFT quantum chemical calculations

A good approach of the critical molecular dimensions of 35 linear and branched C5–C8 paraffins by DFT quantum chemical calculations at B3LYP/6-31G** level of theory in gas phase is described. In this context, we found that either the determined molecular width or width-height average values can be used as critical measures in the analysis for selection of molecular sieves materials, depending on their pore size and shape. The molecular width values for linear and monosubstituted paraffins are 4.2 and 5.5 Å, respectively. In the case of disubstituted paraffins, the values are 5.5 Å for 2,3-, 2,4-, 2,5- and 3,4-disubstituted and for 2,2- and 3,3-disubstituted are 6.7–7.1 Å. The values for ethyl-substituted are 6.1–6.7 Å and for trisubstituted isoparaffins are 6.7. In order to select a porous material for selective separation of isoparaffins and paraffins, the zeolite diffusivity can be correlated with the critical diameter of the paraffins according to the geometry-limited diffusion concept and the effective minimum dimensions of the molecules. The calculated values of CPK molecular volume of the titled paraffins showed a good discrimination between the number of carbons and molecular size.