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Identification of novel bicyclic alkanes from steroid precursors in crude oils from Kelamayi oil field of China

Journal Article · · Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta; (United States)
A novel series of bicyclic alkanes in the C/sub 19/-C/sub 22/ range has been discovered in a number of crude oils from a variety of sources. Evidence is provided from laboratory studies to demonstrate that there is a correlation between these bicyclic alkanes and steranes, suggesting in turn that both series of compounds are actually derived from sterol precursors. These bicyclic alkanes appear to be resistant to the effects of biodegradation which in turn enhances their concentration in biodegraded oils following removal of other less resistant compounds. The value of this stability is demonstrated in the correlation of an oil and seep from the Anadarko Basin. The seep is biodegraded such that all regular steranes are removed leaving only rearranged steranes compared with an oil where all steranes are intact. The bicyclic alkane distributions are similar for both samples demonstrating their potential for correlation purposes. The effect of maturation on these components was not evaluated in detail in this particular study.
Research Organization:
Univ. of Oklahoma, Norman (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
FG05-85ER13412
OSTI ID:
5202111
Journal Information:
Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta; (United States), Journal Name: Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta; (United States) Vol. 52:2; ISSN GCACA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English