[thackney]

There is this thing called organic chemistry, which is not as simple as you present. Carbon has a natural affinity for itself to produce longer chains with itself and other elements. That is why we are a carbon based life form.

Yes, those are the biotic sources. I was responding to a claim of abotic.

[PeterPrinciple]

Yes, those are the biotic sources. I was responding to a claim of abotic. -------------------------- and you do not think these longer chains form in non biological situations? I repeat the natural affinity of carbon for carbon. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/95006/carbon-group-element/80951/Catenation "Only the carbon–hydrogen, carbon–fluorine, and carbon–oxygen single bonds (C−H, C−F, and C−O) are stronger than the carbon–carbon single bond (C−C), and each of these is weaker than the carbon–carbon multiple bonds (C=C or C≡C)." And a response to your refinery argument? To prempt you, yes you can break carbon bonds but it takes more than heat and pressure. It takes addition of steam, (see above) or other agent or catalyst. You can refine shorter chains into longer chains by removing hydrogen, (much more complex than that) I am not an expert in organic chem but there are some basics to understand. You have painted your self in a corner and would rather be "right" than learn something. I have been there often myself, and have found it is best to admit where I am and let the paint dry.