Open AccessFlash pyrolysis of the outer cortical tissues in Lower Devonian Psilophyton dawsonii
Author(s) -
EDWARDS D.,
EWBANK G.,
ABBOTT G. D.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
botanical journal of the linnean society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.872
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1095-8339
pISSN - 0024-4074
DOI - 10.1111/j.1095-8339.1997.tb02001.x
Subject(s) - alkylbenzenes , xylem , lignin , diagenesis , decarboxylation , pyrolysis , cuticle (hair) , biology , botany , devonian , organic chemistry , chemistry , benzene , paleontology , catalysis
Coalified residues of the xylem and peripheral structure tissues (stereomc) from perminei alized (CaCO 3 ) Lower Devonian Psilophyton dawsomi have been analysed by Hash pyrolysis‐gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. Both yielded C 1 ‐C 3 alkylphenols, C 1 ‐C 3 alkylbenzenes, C 1 ‐C 3 alkylnaphthalenes, although with varying relative abundances. The stereomc also generated a scries of n ‐alk‐1‐cries and H‐alkanes (C 3 C 24 , maximum at C 10 ) which is believed to be derived from the cuticle. The sources of the aromatic compounds are discussed, and while it is concluded that those in the xylem are derived from lignin, the macromolecule having been degraded by diagencsis and thermal maturation, the molecular sources of those from the stereomc may also include a wide range of substances including simple phenolic acids, flavonoids and non‐lignin polyphenolics. Possible functions for the stereome are discussed.