Simulated diagenesis and catagenesis of marine kerogen precursors: Melanoidins as model systems for light hydrocarbon generation

Amino acids and sugars are principal constituents of marine organisms. The condensation of amino acids and sugars is one possible nonenzymatic, early diagenetic pathway for the incorporation of these compounds into more complex geopolymers. In this study, aqueous solutions consisting of l-lysine, l-histidine, l-arginine and d-(+)-glucose were heated (100°C) for up to 288 h. Portions of the melanoidin polymer isolated after heating were reheated in the presence of water (hydrous pyrolysis) for 72 h at 325°C. Reaction products were identified by GC and GC/MS. Stable isotopic (δ¹³C) and elemental analyses were used to follow thermal evolution.While the initial melanoidin was synthesized from a simple, four component system, the products generated during hydrous pyrolysis are of considerable complexity, and include straightchain and branched alkanes, alkadienes, alkynes, indole, dimethyl indane, ethyl phenol, quinoline, and xylenes, in addition to a multitude of as yet, unidentified components. Stable carbon isotopic values for the reactants and products correspond to trends observed for naturally generated geopolymers and light gases. Elemental analyses of the melanoidin prior and subsequent to hydrous pyrolysis indicate a kerogen evolution pathway similar to that observed for natural samples. Considering the intractable nature of kerogen, laboratory simulation studies of simple systems can provide an alternative approach for elucidating the origins of geopolymers and their potential for hydrocarbon generation.