Possible origin of acyclic (linear and isoprenoid) and tricyclic terpane methyl ketones in a Tasmanian tasmanite bitumen

The C-13, C-14, C-18 and C-19, isoprenoid methyl ketones acid linear methyl ketones from Cg to C-21 were identified by GC/MS in a Tasmanian tasmanite bitumen. The C-13 and C-18 isoprenoid ketones are proposed to be derived from phytol and the linear methyl ketones from B-oxidation of the corresponding alkanes. The C-14 and C-19 isoprenoid methyl ketones are proposed to be derived from oxidation of double bonds in the side chain of tricyclooctaprenol or the corresponding unsaturated hydrocarbon, tricyclooctaprenene. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.