Characterization of the Heavier Molecules in a Crude Oil by Mass Spectrometry

Mass Spectrometry in Organic Geochemistry

“…O'NEAL and HOOD [138], SCHISSLER et al [139] and MEINSCHEIN [140,141] reported the presence of sterane-type compounds in oil and sediments on the basis of characteristic peaks (see below) observed in mixture spectra; MEINSCHEIN'S data also suggested the presence of hexacyclic and C 40 polycyclic structures. More recently, CARLSON et al [142] presented both high and low resolution mass spectral data to support the conclusion of sterane-type structures in petroleum. The first report on the isolation and mass spectral identification of individual compounds of this class was made by BURLINGAME and collaborators [143], who isolated the C 27 , C 28 The mass spectra of the three tetracyclic hydrocarbons shown in Fig.…”