Photochemical reactions in interstellar grains photolysis of CO, NH3, and H2O.
A simulation of the organic layer accreted onto interstellar dust particles was prepared by slow deposition of a CO:NH2:H2O gas mixture on an Al block at 10 K, with concomitant irradiation with vacuum UV.  The residues were analyzed by GC-MS, HPLC, and near IR; a reaction pathway leading from NH3 to complex alcohol, fatty acid, and amide products in 27 stages is postulated.  The astronomical relevance and significance of the observations are discussed.
Agarwal
V K
VK
Department of Chemistry, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180-3590, USA.
Schutte
W
W
Greenberg
J M
JM
Ferris
J P
JP
Briggs
R
R
Connor
S
S
Van de Bult
C P
CP
Baas
F
F
D000641:Ammonia / Q000737:chemistry*; D002248:Carbon Monoxide / Q000737:chemistry*; D019443:Cosmic Dust / Q000032:analysis*; D019418:Evolution, Chemical; D005118:Extraterrestrial Environment; D006838:Hydrocarbons / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D007259:Infrared Rays; D019110:Meteoroids; D000069497:Origin of Life; D010777:Photochemistry; D010782:Photolysis; D013696:Temperature; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry*
D019443:Cosmic Dust; D006838:Hydrocarbons; D014867:Water; D000641:Ammonia; D002248:Carbon Monoxide