Characterization of kerogen from Timahdit shale (Y-layer) based on multistage alkaline permanganate degradation

• Published in: Fuel (Guildford) 1994, Vol.73 (1), p.17-24
• Main Authors: Amblès, André, Halim, Mohammed, Jacquesy, Jean-Claude, Vitorovic, Dragomir, Ziyad, Mahfoud
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Constitution and properties of crude oils, shale oils, natural gas and bitumens. Analysis and characteristics; Crude oil, natural gas and petroleum products; degradation; Energy; Exact sciences and technology; Fuels; kerogen; shale
• ISSN: 0016-2361; 1873-7153
• DOI: 10.1016/0016-2361(94)90183-X

A 15-step alkaline permanganate degradation of the kerogen from Moroccan Timahdit Oil Shale (Y-layer) was carried out. Oxidation products were obtained in a good yield (64 wt% based on initial kerogen). Detailed g.c. and g.c.-m.s. analyses of ether- and water-soluble acids and products of further controlled permanganate degradation of precipitated acids served as a basis for the quantitative estimation of the contributions of various types of products and for comparison with other kerogens. Taking into account the dominant aliphatic (44.2%) and aromatic (34.8%) nature of the acidic oxidation products, the existence of an aliphatic cross-linked nucleus mixed with cross-linked aromatic units in the Timahdit-Y shale kerogen is postulated. These findings were corroborated by FT-i.r. and 13C CP-MAS n.m.r. analyses. Saturated hydrocarbons were also found in the oxidation products; they were probable trapped in the kerogen matrix.