Gas chromatographic and mass spectrometric characterization of pyrolysis products of fossil organic matter from localities of the Czech Republic

The composition of fossiI organic matter of different origin and thermal maturation was studied based. on the gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric characterization of their pyrolysis products. Increase in the pyrolysis temperature from 300 to 500 degrees C was found to cause the cracking of aliphatic hydrocarbons resulting in a shortening oi the n-alkane chains. High yields of pyrolysis products can be obtained at temperatures above 350 degrees C; the cracking reactions can be suppressed by applying relatively short duration of pyrolysis. The chromatographic patterns then clearly reflect the origin of the organic matter and degree of its thermal maturation in rocks.