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    Volume 51 Issue 5
    May  2026
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    Liu Peng, Liu Hanlin, Zou Caineng, Zhao Qun, Chen Yanpeng, Deng Ze, Zhou Guoxiao, Guo Ruiliang, Liu Changjie, Song Dongjun, Wang Xiaofeng, 2026. Position-Specific Isotopes in Propane of Natural Gas: Tracing of Hydrocarbon Generation, Evolution, and Secondary Alteration. Earth Science, 51(5): 2011-2023. doi: 10.3799/dqkx.2026.055
    Citation: Liu Peng, Liu Hanlin, Zou Caineng, Zhao Qun, Chen Yanpeng, Deng Ze, Zhou Guoxiao, Guo Ruiliang, Liu Changjie, Song Dongjun, Wang Xiaofeng, 2026. Position-Specific Isotopes in Propane of Natural Gas: Tracing of Hydrocarbon Generation, Evolution, and Secondary Alteration. Earth Science, 51(5): 2011-2023. doi: 10.3799/dqkx.2026.055

    Position-Specific Isotopes in Propane of Natural Gas: Tracing of Hydrocarbon Generation, Evolution, and Secondary Alteration

    doi: 10.3799/dqkx.2026.055
    • Received Date: 2026-01-12
    • Publish Date: 2026-05-25
    • The study of position-specific isotopes in natural gas propane is becoming a new hotspot in petroleum geochemistry. In this paper it summarizes advancements in analytical techniques for determining position-specific isotope compositions of propane in natural gas and examines the controlling mechanisms of position-specific isotope distributions in natural gases, which provides a novel means to trace hydrocarbon generation pathways, expulsion-retention processes and secondary alteration. By applying position-specific isotope signatures of propane desorbed from source rock, gas source correlation can be achieved, especially in basins with multiple adjacent source rock intervals. In summary, position-specific isotopes of propane provide a powerful tool for elucidating the formation, evolution, and alteration processes of natural gases. Further studies should integrate compound-specific isotope of alkane gases and clumped isotope of methane to extend its application to more complex geological systems.

       

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