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Pathways to Molecular Complexity

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 March 2006

S. B. Charnley  and
S. D. Rodgers
S. B. Charnley
Affiliation:
Space Science & Astrobiology Division, MS 245-3, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
S. D. Rodgers
Affiliation:
Space Science & Astrobiology Division, MS 245-3, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
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Abstract

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Pathways leading to the formation of complex organic molecules are described. Gas-phase processes that may build large carbon-chain species in cold molecular clouds are summarised. Catalytic reactions on grain surfaces can lead to a large variety of organic species, and model calculations of mantle formation by atom additions to multiply-bonded molecules are presented. The subsequent desorption of these mixed molecular ices can initiate a distinctive organic chemistry via ion-molecule pathways. The predictions of this theory are briefly compared with observations to show how possible organic formation pathways in the interstellar medium may be constrained.

Keywords

astrobiology — astrochemistry — ISM: chemistry — ISM: molecules