Oil Porphyrins: Research and Discovery History

Porphyrins are among the most common pigments in nature, including hemoglobin, chlorophyll, cytochromes, and various other enzymes. These pigments are also present in animal secretions, bird plumage, mollusk shells, and oils. In addition to oils, porphyrins are found in meteorites, sedimentary rocks, minerals of endogenous origin, as well as in asphaltic compounds, coals, peat, shales, carbonates, deep waters, and more. Porphyrins provide insights into the geochemical history of specific sedimentary rocks and the formation of combustible minerals. Analyzing the composition of metalloporphyrins can help identify the primary source of organic matter, determine the redox conditions during sediment accumulation and diagenesis, and reconstruct the thermal evolution of deposits. The discovery of porphyrin molecules in oils dates back to the late 19th century. This work traces the journey of discovering and identifying these macroheterocyclic compounds in natural fossil fuels.