Organic substances in paleozoic rocks

Distribution of Some Organic Substances in Paleozoic Rocks of Central Pennsylvania... 

Of the substances studied the most abundant in the Paleozoic rocks of the area are furfurals presumably derived from carbohydrates, higher molecular weight hydrocarbons, and in a few samples, amino acids. Acid and base soluble, low boiling substances having some properties of heterocyclic compounds, phenols, and organic acids exist in smaller amounts. 

Other Organic Substances. Spectral data on other organic substances detected in samples of the Paleozoic rocks treated with dilute hydrochloric acid and distilled, are given in Table VI. The substances possibly represent aromatic and heteroaromatic compounds such as anthracene, naphthalene, pyridines, and phenols, but a more definite characterization has not been completed. The compounds seem to be present in only a few parts per million. 

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