Determination of δ13C values of sedimentary straight chain and cyclic alcohols by gas chromatography/isotope ratio mass spectrometry

Abstract

Improved measurement of δ13C values of n-alcohols and sterols by gas chromatography/isotope ratio mass spectrometry is shown after their derivatization to silyl ethers. A method of correcting for the effects of the added silyl carbon atoms on the measurements of the silylated derivatives is also described and an application of the method for providing information on the sources of lacustrine n-alcohols and sterols is given.