Asphaltenes are complex, high-molecular-weight organic compounds found in crude oil and tar sands. They are classified as the heaviest and least soluble fractions of crude oil, typically characterized by their large size, aromatic nature, and the presence of heteroatoms such as nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen. Asphaltenes play a significant role in various hydrocarbon systems, affecting properties such as viscosity, stability, and the overall behavior of petroleum liquids.
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