The molecular composition of Sicilian amber

In this study for the first time the bulk chemical composition of Sicilian amber (simetite) was determined using pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with thermally assisted hydrolysis and methylation (Py(THM)-GC-MS). The results evidenced that the polymer fraction of Sicilian amber is based on a polylabdanoid structure with an enantio configuration, mainly including ozic acid and biformene. In addition, numerous monocyclic and bicyclic terpene degradation products could be detected. At higher retention times several characteristic compounds were found. Very low amounts of succinic acid could be revealed. The chemical data allowed to classify simetite as a Class 1c resinite and to suggest a botanical origin from Fabaceae.