Formation of long-chain ketones in ancient pottery vessels by pyrolysis of acyl lipids

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0040-4039(95)01844-8

Structural and isotopic (δ¹³C) evidence indicates the formation of series of long-chain ketones in archaeological pottery can occur by condensation of long-chain carboxylic acids. The formation of the ketones is confirmed by pyrolysis of free fatty acids or triacylglycerols in the presence of fired clay matrix.