New results about the c₂₆ sterols also concerning their possible origin

Stanols and particularly the C₂₆ stanol 5, have been found to accumulate in an oil impregnated sediment. In connection with the possible origin of C₂₆ sterols as deduced from this observation, model experiments using a C₂₈ precursor (campestanol) have been performed. However, in the conditions of these experiments, the bacterial degradation of the side chain by a pool of marine bacteria does not lead to the expected steroid structures.