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Volatile organic acids generated from kerogen during laboratory heating.

K Kawamura1, E Tannenbaum, B J Huizinga

  • 1Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, University of California at Los Angeles 90024, USA.

Geochemical Journal
|January 1, 1986
PubMed
Summary

Kerogen pyrolysis yields significant low molecular weight organic acids, primarily acetic acid. These acids are key intermediates in the formation of natural gas and can contribute to mineral dissolution and porosity generation.

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Area of Science:

  • Geochemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Sedimentary Petrology

Background:

  • Kerogen, the organic matter in sedimentary rocks, is a precursor to hydrocarbons.
  • Understanding the thermal decomposition products of kerogen is crucial for petroleum exploration and geochemistry.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the formation and distribution of low molecular weight organic acids during kerogen pyrolysis.
  • To explore the geochemical implications of these organic acids in geological processes.

Main Methods:

  • Pyrolysis of kerogen samples from Green River and Monterey Formations at temperatures ranging from 200-400°C for 2-1,000 hours.
  • Analysis of pyrolysis products with and without the presence of water and minerals (montmorillonite, illite, calcite).
Keywords:
NASA Discipline ExobiologyNon-NASA Center

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Main Results:

  • Identified C1-C10 aliphatic acids and benzoic acid in kerogen pyrolysis products.
  • Observed a dominance of acetic acid, followed by formic and propionic acids, with an even/odd preference for C4-C10 acids.
  • Total organic acid concentration reached 0.3% of the initial kerogen mass.

Conclusions:

  • Kerogen possesses significant potential for generating organic acids through pyrolysis.
  • These organic acids are likely intermediates in the conversion of kerogen to natural gas via decarboxylation.
  • Organic acids may play a role in generating secondary porosity through mineral dissolution.