Prebiotic Chemistry within a Simple Impacting Icy Mixture

Goldman, Nir; Tamblyn, Isaac

doi:10.1021/jp402976n

Prebiotic Chemistry within a Simple Impacting Icy Mixture

Journal Article · Thu May 02 00:00:00 EDT 2013 · Journal of Physical Chemistry. A, Molecules, Spectroscopy, Kinetics, Environment, and General Theory

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/jp402976n· OSTI ID:1466173

Goldman, Nir ^[1]; Tamblyn, Isaac ^[2]

Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States). Physical and Life Sciences Directorate
University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, ON (Canada). Department of Physics

In this paper, we present results of prebiotic organic synthesis in shock compressed mixtures of simple ices from quantum molecular dynamics (MD) simulations extended to close to equilibrium time scales. Given the likelihood of an inhospitable prebiotic atmosphere on early Earth, it is possible that impact processes of comets or other icy bodies were a source of prebiotic chemical compounds on the primitive planet. We observe that moderate shock pressures and temperatures within a CO₂-rich icy mixture (36 GPa and 2800 K) produce a number of nitrogen containing heterocycles, which dissociate to form functionalized aromatic hydrocarbons upon expansion and cooling to ambient conditions. In contrast, higher shock conditions (48–60 GPa, 3700–4800 K) resulted in the synthesis of long carbon-chain molecules, CH₄, and formaldehyde. All shock compression simulations at these conditions have produced significant quantities of simple C–N bonded compounds such as HCN, HNC, and HNCO upon expansion and cooling to ambient conditions. In conclusion, our results elucidate a mechanism for impact synthesis of prebiotic molecules at realistic impact conditions that is independent of external constraints such as the presence of a catalyst, illuminating UV radiation, or pre-existing conditions on a planet.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)

Grant/Contract Number:: AC52-07NA27344

OSTI ID:: 1466173

Report Number(s):: LLNL-JRNL--627072; 738013

Journal Information:: Journal of Physical Chemistry. A, Molecules, Spectroscopy, Kinetics, Environment, and General Theory, Journal Name: Journal of Physical Chemistry. A, Molecules, Spectroscopy, Kinetics, Environment, and General Theory Journal Issue: 24 Vol. 117; ISSN 1089-5639

Publisher:: American Chemical SocietyCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
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Origins of life
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Prebiotic Chemistry within a Simple Impacting Icy Mixture

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