Diageneninen

Diageneninen is a proposed class of organic nitrogen-containing compounds hypothesized to form during diagenetic alteration of sedimentary organic matter. The term is used primarily in theoretical models and discussions of diagenesis rather than in the mainstream literature.

In conceptual scenarios, diageneninen molecules are small to moderate in size, featuring one or more heterocyclic rings containing nitrogen, and possessing reactive functional groups that enable cross-linking with kerogen precursors and mineral surfaces.

Proposed to arise from condensation and aminophenol-type reactions among amino- and phenolic-rich precursors under anoxic, reducing conditions typical of early diagenesis, temperatures near surface to low-grade burial.

In models, they serve as transient intermediates that promote polymerization and cross-linking, influencing the structure and porosity of the evolving organic matter, and potentially affecting the interaction of organic matter with clays and minerals.

There is no direct experimental detection of diageneninen as a single compound in natural samples; instead, researchers use proxies, such as generated model compounds, analytical surrogates, and diagenetic maturation indicators. Advances in high-resolution mass spectrometry and spectroscopic methods may clarify their existence.

The etymology of the name reflects its proposed association with diagenesis and a generic suffix -nenin used for hypothetical organic molecules.