Pyrolytic and Spectroscopic Studies of Eocene Resin from Vastan Lignite Mine, Cambay Basin, Western India

Abstract

Abstract The molecular structure of an Eocene fossil resin (Vastan, Cambay basin, Western India) has been investigated with complimentary spectroscopic techniques. The FTIR spectrum shows strong aliphatic CHx (3000-2800 and 1460-1450 cm-1) and CH3 (1377 cm-1) absorptions and less intense aromatic C=C (1560-1610 cm-1) absorptions. The major products from analytical pyrolysis are cadalene based bicyclic sesquiterpenoids including some bicadinenes and bicadinanes. The polycadinane products confirm the fossil material as an Angiosperm dammar resin, associated with inputs of tropical rain forests supported by past climates.