The effect of different pyrolysis temperatures on organic microfossils, vitrain and amber—A comparative study between laser assisted- and Curie Point-pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

• La-Py–GC/MS is recommended for aromatic and/or thermally mature materials.
• CP-Py–GC/MS is a suitable method for extant or immature materials.
• High molecular weight compounds are less abundant with increasing Cu-T.
• Short chain aliphatics dominate high temperature pyrolysates.

This study explores the comparability of results of two different pyrolysis methods applied to macromolecular geochemical material: laser-pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (La-Py–GC/MS) and Curie Point-pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (CP-Py–GC/MS). Six samples of different fossil (megaspores, prasinophytes, scolecodonts, amber, vitrain) and extant (sporopollenin) biomaterials were analysed at various pyrolysis temperatures by CP-Py–GC/MS and by La-Py–GC/MS. The qualitative composition of the pyrolysates obtained from both methods was similar. However, La-Py–GC/MS produced shorter aliphatic pyrolysis products in almost all samples. Results obtained from megaspores and prasinophytes indicate a laser temperature higher than the highest Curie temperature applied (920 °C). The application of La-Py–GC/MS was successful for material with a predominantly aromatic structure and/or a high thermal maturity (scolecodonts, vitrain). For extant or immature materials CP-Py–GC/MS appears to be a more suitable method as the applied temperature can be regulated much more accurately.