Gas chromatographic and mass spctrometric (GC-MS) analysis of a steam distillate from a pliocenic lignite revealed the presence of hydrocarbons with sesqui- and diterpene skeleta. The compounds identified are characterized by alicyclic or aromatic stable structures which mainly have cadinane, selinane and abietane skeletons. While the main compound do not bleong to particular botanical family, some minor constituents such as alpha-cedrane appear to be related to the cupressaceae family, even if further identification are needed. With regard to the process of diagenesis, this has been quite mild because oleoresins have remained inside the bulk, unlike in many European lignites where resins have migrated outsid
