Identification of a novel series of tetracyclic terpene hydrocarbons (C24–C27) in sediments and petroleums

Abstract

A novel series of tetracyclic terpene hydrocarbons, the 17,21-secohopanes (C₂₄–C₂₇) has been conclusively identified as a widespread constituent of sediments and petroleums; these compounds could be formed by thermal or microbial degradation of pentacyclic hopanoid precursors which commonly occur in micro-organisms, but they could also represent a novel class of bacterial lipids.