Differential adsorption of complex organic molecule isomers on interstellar ice surfaces

In the present study, we have shown for the first time how glycine can be synthesized under prebiotic-like conditions using an Infra-Red laser to trigger the reaction. In particular, we observed that in the low-density conditions it can be obtained from simple ion-molecule reactions of acetic acid and protonated hydroxylamine. This reaction, studied years ago in more dense conditions [J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2007, 129, 9910-9917R], was the center of a controversy, since accurate quantum chemistry calculations have shown that it is not barrierless [Astrophys. J. 2012, 748, 99] such that a source of energy is needed. In space, and more in general in prebiotic conditions (interstellar medium, comets, asteroids) temperature is very low but the photon density can be important. Here we propose a way of synthesizing such complex organic molecule in a very low-pressure environment (about 10-3 mbar). This way of forming complex organic molecule is of relevance also beyond the prebiotic interest of finding a scenario which was at the origin of the synthesis of such molecules. In fact our work proposes a new way of assisting reactions using IR radiation. Only few cases were found in which IR can trigger complex reactions (i.e. not simple dissociations) while there is a clear interest of using such low-energy radiation. This study will be at the basis of new researches devoted to find other reactions which can be assisted by IR laser.

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H-atom addition and abstraction reactions in mixed CO, H2CO and CH3OH ices – an extended view on complex organic molecule formation

Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society ◽

10.1093/mnras/stv2288 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 455 (2) ◽

pp. 1702-1712 ◽

Cited By ~ 96

Author(s):

K.-J. Chuang ◽

G. Fedoseev ◽

S. Ioppolo ◽

E.F. van Dishoeck ◽

H. Linnartz

Keyword(s):

Organic Molecule ◽

Molecule Formation ◽

Complex Organic Molecule ◽

Extended View ◽

Complex Organic

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Infra-Red Assisted Synthesis of Prebiotic Glycine

10.26434/chemrxiv.10275917 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Debora Scuderi ◽

Ariel F. Perez-Mellor ◽

Joël Lemaire ◽

Suvasthika Indrajith ◽

Jean-Xavier Bardaud ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Organic Molecule ◽

Photon Density ◽

Ir Radiation ◽

Ion Molecule Reactions ◽

Ir Laser ◽

Complex Organic Molecule ◽

Quantum Chemistry Calculations ◽

Infra Red ◽

First Time ◽

Complex Organic

In the present study, we have shown for the first time how glycine can be synthesized under prebiotic-like conditions using an Infra-Red laser to trigger the reaction. In particular, we observed that in the low-density conditions it can be obtained from simple ion-molecule reactions of acetic acid and protonated hydroxylamine. This reaction, studied years ago in more dense conditions [J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2007, 129, 9910-9917R], was the center of a controversy, since accurate quantum chemistry calculations have shown that it is not barrierless [Astrophys. J. 2012, 748, 99] such that a source of energy is needed. In space, and more in general in prebiotic conditions (interstellar medium, comets, asteroids) temperature is very low but the photon density can be important. Here we propose a way of synthesizing such complex organic molecule in a very low-pressure environment (about 10-3 mbar). This way of forming complex organic molecule is of relevance also beyond the prebiotic interest of finding a scenario which was at the origin of the synthesis of such molecules. In fact our work proposes a new way of assisting reactions using IR radiation. Only few cases were found in which IR can trigger complex reactions (i.e. not simple dissociations) while there is a clear interest of using such low-energy radiation. This study will be at the basis of new researches devoted to find other reactions which can be assisted by IR laser.

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Questions about the evolution of ices, from diffuse molecular clouds to comets

Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union ◽

10.1017/s1743921319008573 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 15 (S350) ◽

pp. 15-20

Author(s):

A. C. A. Boogert

Keyword(s):

Solar System ◽

Laboratory Experiments ◽

Absorption Bands ◽

Complex Organic Molecule ◽

Interstellar Ice ◽

Rosetta Mission ◽

History Of ◽

Space Environments ◽

Complex Organic

AbstractThe surfaces of interstellar and circumstellar dust grains are the sites of molecule formation, most of which, except H2, stick and form ice mantles. The study of ice evolution thus seems directly relevant for understanding our own origins, although the relation between interstellar and solar system ices remains a key question. The comparison of interstellar and solar system ices relies evidently on an accurate understanding of the composition and processes in both environments. With the accurate in situ measurements available for the comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko with the Rosetta mission, improving our understanding of interstellar ices is the more important. Here, I will address three specific questions. First, while laboratory experiments have made much progress in understanding complex organic molecule (COM) formation in the ices, the question remains, how does COM formation depend on environment and time? Second, what is the carrier of sulfur in the ices? And third, can ice absorption bands trace the processing history of the ices? Laboratory experiments, ranging from infrared spectroscopy to identify interstellar ice species, to surface experiments to determine reaction parameters in ice formation scenarios, to heating and irradiation experiments to simulate space environments, are essential to address these questions and analyze the flood of new observational data that will become available with new facilities in the next 2-10 years.

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