Precursor biostructures in kerogen matrix revealed by oxidative degradation: oxidation of kerogen from Estonian kukersite

The products of stepwise alkaline permanganate degradation of kerogen from Estonian kukersite are considered as possible derivatives of preserved biostructures of the microfossil G. prisca. The aliphatic component, constituting ca. 25% of the matrix, was oxidized giving n-α,ω-alkyldicarboxylic (C4–C15), α-methyldicarboxylic (C7–C12, C14, C15), branched dicarboxylic (C5–C10), and n-alkylmonocarboxylic (C14–C18, C22) acids. When compared with previously studied kerogens, the oxidation products of kukersite differ (short carbon chains