Electric discharge synthesis of HCN in simulated Jovian atmospheres.
HCN has been detected in the Jovian atmosphere at a column density of about 2.2 x 10(-7) moles cm-2.  While photochemical synthesis from methylamine and aziridine, upwelling, and lightning have been proposed as possible sources of this HCN, corona discharge has not been previously considered.  HCN energy yields (moles J-1) were measured using corona discharge for gas mixtures containing H2, CH4, NH3, with H2/CH4 ratios from 4.4 to 1585.  The yields are approximately proportional to the mole fraction of methane in the gas mixture.  Assuming that the 3/1 ratio of corona discharge to lightning energy on the Earth applies to Jupiter, HCN column densities from corona discharge could account for approximately 10% of the observed HCN.  These estimates are very dependent on the values used for the energy available as lightning on Jupiter and the eddy diffusion coefficients in the region of synthesis.
Stribling
R
R
Department of Chemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla 92093, USA.
Miller
S L
SL
D000641:Ammonia / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D001272:Atmosphere / Q000737:chemistry*; D005118:Extraterrestrial Environment; D006859:Hydrogen / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D006856:Hydrogen Cyanide / Q000138:chemical synthesis*; D018538:Jupiter; D008030:Lightning; D008697:Methane / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010777:Photochemistry
D006856:Hydrogen Cyanide; D000641:Ammonia; D006859:Hydrogen; D008697:Methane