| Diagenetic reactions play a major role in the modification of porosity in clastic rocks. The diagenesis of clastic rocks is controlled principally by the primary mineral assemblage, pore fluid chemistry, and temperature. Water soluble organic compounds released into the pore fluids by buried organic matter undergoing diagenesis can influence mineral diagenesis. This study reviews the chemical characteristics of some simple water soluble organic compounds that are observed in subsurface waters. The distribution of these compounds in the subsurface is discussed and possible generation mechanisms from kerogen are evaluated. Experimental results on the thermal stability of the water soluble organic compounds as well as results of mineral dissolution experiments involving the water soluble organic compounds and aluminosilicate and carbonate minerals are presented. Finally, these results are used to develop methods of predicting diagenetic reaction pathways in the subsurface. |
