INVESTIGATION ON TERPENE-RELATED HYDROCARBONS FROM A PLIOCENIC FOSSIL WOOD

Gas chromatographic and mass spectrometric (GC/MS) analysis of a steam distillate from a pliocenic lignite revealed the presence of hydrocarbons with sesqui- and diterpene skeleta. The compounds identified are characterized by alicyclic or aromatic stable structures which mainly have cadinane, selinane and abietane carbon skeletons. While the main compounds do not belong to particular botanical family, some minor constituents such as alpha-cedrane appear to be related to the cupressaceae family even if further identifications are needed. With regard to the process of diagenesis, this has been quite mild because oleoresins have remained inside the bulk, unlike in many European lignites where resins have migrated outside.