Field-ionization mass spectrometry: application to geochemical analysis

The thiourea adduct, thiourea non-adduct and aromatic fractions from a series of Alberta oil sand bitumens have been subjected to field ionization mass spectrometric analyses. Field ionization mass spectra feature little fragmentation and the molecular weight distributions of compounds in the fractions are readily obtained. Using this method, the various acyclic and cyclic saturated hydrocarbons and the hydrocarbon and thiophenic aromatic materials may be distinguished by compound type and number of carbon atoms. The effect of biodegradation on crude oils is illustrated in the results from the series of oil sand bitumens and their asphaltene pyrolysis products. Field ionization mass spectrometry is potentially an important new analytical tool in organic geochemistry.