Definition
phytane
noun
- A saturated hydrocarbon (C₂₀H₄₂) derived from the side chain of chlorophyll; used as a biomarker in petroleum geology and organic geochemistry.
Usage: technical; chemistry; geology
Examples
- Phytane is commonly found in crude oil and sedimentary rocks as a product of chlorophyll degradation.
- Geochemists analyze phytane concentrations to determine the depositional environment of ancient sediments.
- The presence of phytane in a sample indicates the contribution of photosynthetic organisms to the organic matter.
- Phytane and pristane ratios are used to assess the thermal maturity of petroleum source rocks.