Experimental study of the effects of thermochemical sulfate reduction on low molecular weight hydrocarbons in confined systems and its geochemical implications

► Influence of thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR) on C6-C9 hydrocarbons (HCs). ► TSR decreases thermal stability of C6-C9 HCs to different extents. ► Inorganic minerals have an important impact on the rates of TSR. ► Caution should be given to the ratios of C6-C9 HCs in TSR altered oils. ► Water decreases petroleum thermal stability.