Results of 13C NMR and FTIR Spectroscopy of Kerogen from the Upper Devonian Domanik of the Timan–Pechora Basin

Abstract

A series of kerogen samples from organic carbon rich rocks of middle Frasnian–early Famennian age from the Timan–Pechora basin was studied by Rock-Eval pyrolysis, solid-state ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. In addition, we determined the spectral characteristics of kerogen isolated from the Domanikites of the early catagenetic stage artificially matured in an autoclave under hydrous conditions. In general, the trends of transformation of the kerogen structure during natural and experimental maturation are identical. The kerogen subjected to experimental maturation is characterized by an increase in the concentration of terminal methyl groups relative to methylene units. Artificial kerogen maturation results in a more rapid rearrangement of aromatic clusters and accumulation of bridgehead and protonated carbon compared with natural maturation.