Molecular statistical calculation of thermodynamic characteristics of adsorption of polymantane molecules on the basis face of graphite

The thermodynamic characteristics of adsorption (TCA) of polymantane molecules and their some derivatives on the basis face of graphite were calculated for the first time in terms of the atom-atomic approximation of the semiempirical molecular statistical theory of adsorption. The graphite surface exhibits high structural selectivity to isomeric polymantanes. A model for adsorption of cage molecules on the planar surface was proposed. The model is based on the idea that contributions of atoms of the adsorbate molecule to the total adsorption energy can be discriminated according to the distance of these atoms from the surface of a solid. Advantages and limitations of using the data on adsorption of molecules of isomeric alkanes, including rotamers, for the analysis of equilibrium TCA values of isomeric polymantanes on graphite are discussed. The possibility of separation of representatives of the polymantane hydrocarbon family by gas adsorption chromatography on columns with graphitized thermal carbon black was suggested on the basis of the calculated TCA values and logarithmic retention indices.