Very low temperature formaldehyde reactions and the build-up of organic molecules in comets and interstellar ices

Adv Space Res. 1995 Mar;15(3):401-6. doi: 10.1016/s0273-1177(99)80110-0.

Abstract

We have investigated thermally promoted reactions of formaldehyde (H2CO) in very low temperature ices. No such reactions occurred in ices of pure formaldehyde. However, addition of trace amounts of ammonia (NH3) were sufficient to catalyze reactions at temperatures as low as 40 K. Similar reactions could take place in interstellar ices and in Comets and produce considerable amounts of organic molecules.

MeSH terms

  • Ammonia / chemistry*
  • Evolution, Chemical
  • Extraterrestrial Environment*
  • Formaldehyde / chemistry*
  • Ice / analysis*
  • Meteoroids*
  • Resins, Synthetic / chemistry
  • Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Ice
  • Resins, Synthetic
  • Formaldehyde
  • Ammonia
  • delrin