title: Shock synthesis of amino acids II.
abstract: The synthesis of amino acids behind shock waves in methane, ethane, ammonia, and water vapor was further investigated. Aldehydes and HCN are formed separately in the non-homogeneous gas during the high temperature period and recombine with ammonia during the thermal quench period, to form chi-amino nitriles. The chi-amino nitriles are either hydrolyzed by excess water vapor during the quench period or emerge as such after the reaction is completed. A combined gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer analysis of the reaction product showed identical amounts of D and L amino acids, thus confirming the absence of contaminants. Thunder shock waves were shown to be a suitable source of energy for the production of amino acids.
mesh_terms: D000447:Aldehydes / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D000596:Amino Acids / Q000138:chemical synthesis*; D000641:Ammonia; D004980:Ethane; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006856:Hydrogen Cyanide / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D008697:Methane; D009570:Nitriles / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D055585:Physical Phenomena; D010825:Physics; D014867:Water
chemical_list: D000447:Aldehydes; D000596:Amino Acids; D009570:Nitriles; D014867:Water; D006856:Hydrogen Cyanide; D000641:Ammonia; D004980:Ethane; D008697:Methane