Terpenoids—Especially Oxygenated Mono-, Sesqui-, Di-, and Triterpenes

Abstract

This chapter attempts to review the geochemistry of isoprenoids*. The importance of this field is being increasingly appreciated. Some of this data has previously been summarized in the monographs written by Breger [1,2], and articles by Douglas and Eglinton [3], Kroepelin [4] and others. Isoprenoid compounds are regarded as significant biological markers because their degree of structural specificity is indicative of biogenesis. The chapter is principally concerned with those isoprenoids containing oxygen functions, although in some cases some attention must also be given to the related hydrocarbons.