Abstract
Abundant cyclic diaryl ethers, such as dibenzofuran and its alkyl derivatives are found in solvent extracts and kerogen pyrolysates of a Late Permian organic-rich marl from northern Italy. These organic compounds are distinguishable from biphenyl and its alkyl derivatives by high resolution GC–MS. Bulk geochemical (Rock-Eval) and transmitted/reflected light microscopic analyses indicate that the dominant source of organic matter in the sediment is from partially decomposed land plant debris which has been transported into the marine depositional setting. A likely origin for the cyclic diaryl ether moieties is dehydrated and condensed polysaccharides. Possible sources for the polysaccharides are the organic constituents of land plants, microbes and fungi.