Extracts, fossil fuel, structural

Analysis of tricyclic alkanes has been less reported in the literature, in comparison with mono-, di-, tetra- and penta-cyclics. However, since we intend to review also separation of fossil fuels, we have to mention compounds such as fichtelite (C19H34) and other diterpenoid tricyclics derived from abietic acid. Abietic acid and levopimaric acid belong to the resin acids, which exude from incisions of bark or trunk of high plants. The derived hydrocarbons, such as fichtelite, were found in the saturated fraction of peat bed extractions. The identification and structure elucidation of fichtelite was based on m.p. 46.5 °C and optical activity [a]D = 18°, as well as on its resistance to chemical attack... 

Steranes are not found as such in living organisms but carry the biogenic information by the variability of structures and enantiomers. The MS, and especially the mass fragmentogram produced by a combination with other analytical methods (GC, HPLC, etc.), was proven to be a very powerful tool for both source and maturation determination of fossil fuels. The various analytical methods will be discussed when considering hydrocarbon mixtures, especially petroleum and sedimentary organic extracts. 

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