Distribution Characteristics of Long-chain Alkylbenzene and Its Isomers

Key words: 
• long-chain alkylbenzene /
• branched alkylbenzene /
• formation mechanism /
• thermal evolution /
• biomarkers

Abstract: Alkylbenzene series compounds widely distributed in the lithosphere, but its parent material source and the indicating significance is still in controversy. This paper focused on the samples of saturated hydrocarbon fractions which were from the Late Triassic Xujiahe Formation in central Sichuan Basin and the Late Triassic Yanchang Formation in Ordos Basin. A series of long-chain alkylbenzene and its isomers (branched alkylbenzene) were tested by GC-MS analysis. The results indicated those samples had I-II₁ type organic matters and formed in a sub-oxidizing environment with strong clay catalysis and bacterial degradation, the sedimentary environment of samples are the similar. However, that the relative content of long-chain alkylbenzene and its isomers distribution patterns are different, on the basis of predecessors' research combined with hydrocarbon source rocks in the study area and thermal evolution background, suggested that lipid such as fatty and alcohol, or simple aromatic compounds with lipid reaction is a possible source of alkylbenzene, in addition, the thermal effect leads to long-chain alkylbenzene transform to its isomers. The study shows that long-chain alkylbenzene and its isomers indicate the effective degree of thermal evolution of organic matter and the source of parent material parameters.