A new characterization factor for hydrocarbons and petroleum fluids fractions

Using the well-known equation of Lorentz-Lorenz and the additivity nature of the molar refraction parameter, a new characterization factor as a function of the refractive index and density is proposed for pure hydrocarbons and petroleum fractions, which uniquely specifies every hydrocarbon and oil fraction in comparison with other characterization factors. This factor can separate, precisely, the range of the values of the various hydrocarbon homologue series such as paraffins, naphthenes, and aromatics from one another without any overlap between related ranges. On the other hand a mixing rule for this parameter is presented, which has a theoretical basis whereas in the other characterization factors Kay's rule is applied, which has no theoretical basis.