Kerogeni

Kerogeni is a complex mixture of organic compounds found in sedimentary rocks. It is the precursor to petroleum and natural gas, forming over millions of years through the burial and transformation of organic matter, such as algae and bacteria. Kerogeni is insoluble in most common solvents, which distinguishes it from liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons. Its composition varies greatly depending on the original source material and the geological conditions under which it matured.

There are three main types of kerogeni, classified based on their hydrogen and oxygen content: Type I, Type II, and Type III. Type I kerogeni is rich in hydrogen and typically originates from lacustrine (lake) organic matter, leading to the formation of oil. Type II kerogeni, derived from marine plankton, is also oil-prone but generally yields lighter oils. Type III kerogeni is oxygen-rich and commonly originates from terrestrial plant material, resulting in the formation of natural gas and coal.

When subjected to sufficient heat and pressure over geological time, kerogeni undergoes a process called catagenesis, where it breaks down into smaller, soluble hydrocarbon molecules. This process is crucial for the generation of economically viable petroleum and natural gas reserves. The study of kerogeni is vital for understanding the origin and migration of hydrocarbons and for exploration and production of fossil fuels.