The identification and geochemical significance of a second series of alkylthiophenes comprising a linearly extended phytane skeleton in sediments and oils
Abstract
A series of 5- n-alkyl-2-(3,7,11-trimethyldodecyl)-3-methylthiophenes (C 21-C 26), which possess a linearly extended phytane skeleton, have been identified in a number of bitumens and oils. The carbon skeletons of the C 24-C 26 members of this series are unusual since they comprise an isoprenoid and a linear part. This series of compounds, and a related series of 2- n-alkyl-5-(3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadecyl) thiophenes, is probably formed by abiogenic sulphur incorporation into functionalised precursor lipids with similar carbon skeletons, possibly biosynthesised by halophilic archaebacteria.
- Publication:
-
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta
- Pub Date:
- December 1989
- DOI:
- 10.1016/0016-7037(89)90111-7
- Bibcode:
- 1989GeCoA..53.3317P