Alkylated phenanthrene distribution in artificially matured kerogens from Kimmeridge clay and the Brent Formation (North Sea)

Kerogen and extractible organic matter from immature Kimmeridge clay and Brent coal were heated at different temperatures (270–500°C) under conditions to mimic natural maturation. Aromatic fractions have been examined for their phenanthrene compound distribution. Phenanthrene indices based on methylphenanthrenes (MP) and dimethylphenanthrenes (DMP) exhibit very sensible changes in the applied temperature range. However, at high temperatures (about 450°C and more) possible thermal degradation of phenanthrene compounds produces a decrease in the values of the indices. Experimental data obtained in this study are compared and discussed with data obtained on thermal evolution performed on total rocks. Vitrinite reflectance values measured on artificially matured coals are also tentatively correlated with phenanthrene ratios. Theoretical thermodynamic calculations on MP compounds confirm also the relative thermal stability of the individual isomers.