PHYTOL-DERIVED C19 DI- AND TRIOLEFINIC HYDROCARBONS IN MARINE ZOOPLANKTON AND FISHES

Three phytol-derived olefinic hydrocarbons have been isolated from marine zooplankton and fishes. Their structures have been determined by ultraviolet, infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectrometry and by combined gas chromatography and mass spectrometry of their ozonolysis products. They are the 2,10- and 5,10-diene and the 2,6,10-triene analogs of pristane (2,6,10,14-tetramethylpentadecane). The presumed mode of formation of these and related olefins and their fate in the marine food chain and in marine sediments is discussed. Because of their relative stability, these and related hydrocarbons provide tracers for the study of dynamic processes in the marine food chain. These olefins are not present in ancient sediments and in petroleum; therefore, they are valuable markers for the distinction between marine hydrocarbons derived from organisms and from oil pollution. © 1969, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.