Raman spectroscopy of natural accumulated paraffins from rocks: Evenkite, ozokerite and hatchetine

Raman spectra were obtained from the natural crystalline (evenkite) and amorphous (ozokerite and hatchetin) hydrocarbons, originating from volcanic and sedimentary rocks from several sites (Mernik, Evenki, Zastavka). Raman spectra of all materials investigated confirm their exclusively aliphatic character. Vibrational assignments are proposed and compared with pure synthetic compounds and the differences in Raman spectra obtained from materials from different sites are discussed. Monoclinic evenkite corresponds to n-tetratracosane (C24H50). Noncrystalline waxy ozokerite and hatchetine contain several degradation products in addition to higher paraffins. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.