Biomarker 18α(H)-oleanane: a geochemical tool to assess Venezuelan petroleum systems

This work describes the origin, applications and limitations of a specific biomarker: 18α(H)-oleanane, which is a paleoenvironmental, organic matter type and age indicator for the assessment of oil–oil and oil–source rock correlations. Specific cases in which this compound has been detected in oils and source rocks in the two main Venezuelan petroleum basins are presented in this work, along with scenarios for future research.