Laboratory Analogs of Thermally Processed Ices Containing H₂O, N₂, NH₃, CO₂, and C₂H₃N Relevant to Astrophysical Environments

Title:Laboratory Analogs of Thermally Processed Ices Containing H₂O, N₂, NH₃, CO₂, and C₂H₃N Relevant to Astrophysical Environments

Volume: 1

Author(s): Douglas W. White*

Affiliation:

• Department of Chemistry and Physics, University of South Carolina Aiken, Aiken, SC, USA

Keywords: Astrochemistry, ices, IR absorption spectroscopy, laboratory astrophysics, acetonitrile, solar system.

Abstract:

Introduction: Laboratory simulations can benefit ground- and space-based observations of icy bodies in outer space. It is well-known that NH₃ and CO₂ can interact, forming ammonium carbamate (CH₆N₂O₂).

Method: This study examines NH₃ and CO₂ in thermally processed H₂O-rich ices in the laboratory via mid-infrared absorption spectroscopy. In particular, the presence of CO₂ in NH₃-ice mixtures thermally annealed at 150 K for more than four hours in systematic experiments suggested that ammonium carbamate could potentially trap volatiles within the ice matrix.

Result: Additional studies with acetonitrile (C₂H₃N) in ice mixtures containing H₂O, CO₂, and NH₃ were also performed. Absorption peak position changes were recorded when the temperature was slowly increased (≤ 5K/min) and also annealed at temperatures up to 150 K.

Conclusion: These studies will hopefully be useful in interpreting pre-biotic chemistry in the Solar System.

Cite this article as:

White W. Douglas*, Laboratory Analogs of Thermally Processed Ices Containing H₂O, N₂, NH₃, CO₂, and C₂H₃N Relevant to Astrophysical Environments, Current Physics 2024; 1 : e250124226270 . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/0127723348285603231228110017