CompuServe Messages

Ok Mike I understand what you meant about the contamination, unfortunately when I get to typing this in I get a bit sidetracked with other ideas. I dont know about the quantification of such compounds as porphyrins. I do know that these analyses are quite difficult due to the large size of the molecules. Supercritical fluid chromatography was being used when it was first in vogue to look at these oils. Simply put, there are many compounds in the heavier fractions than has been analyzed (I suspect). I do not believe resins and asphalts and their structures, much less quantity of individual components, has been thoroughly investigated. I would also think quantity depends on the grade of oil. The LaBrea? tar pits in California-or tar sands in Canada undoubtedly contain more of the heavier hydrocarbons than say a gas condensate. It appears that much of the interest in heavy hydrocarbons and coal, etc today appears to be directed to environmental contaminants ie PAH's and the like. Perhaps someone is on-line that has looked at the analysis of asphalts from a component/structure point of view. I really think this is where some very interesting analytical chemistry could come in.. There is still a lot we (I) dont know about these heavier ends and I believe thats where the remnants of biological components exist. As far as heat applied to porphyrins – I believe these are considered degradation products of chlorophyll, etc. It may be that these products are not found in the hotter reservoirs. I just dont know. Anaerobic bacteria action on oil is a thought I've had too. I know they exist in some reservoirs but its hardto say how they got there. Ive sometimes wondered about little prehistoric bugs running around getting "produced" . Would make a good sci-fi movie… Perhaps "Attack of the Killer Spores from the Permian Basin" Cheers Bob