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Hydrogen cyanide polymers on comets.

C N Matthews1, R Ludicky

  • 1Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Chicago 60680, USA.

Advances in Space Research : the Official Journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
|January 1, 1992
PubMed
Summary
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Comets may have delivered hydrogen cyanide (HCN) polymers to early Earth, forming a proteinaceous matrix. These complex organic molecules, found on comet Halley, could be key to life's origins.

Area of Science:

  • Astrobiology
  • Cosmochemistry
  • Prebiotic Chemistry

Background:

  • Cometary nuclei contain frozen volatiles like water, methane, and ammonia.
  • These conditions are conducive to the formation and polymerization of hydrogen cyanide (HCN).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose that the black crust of comet Halley is composed of HCN polymers.
  • To investigate the potential role of these polymers in prebiotic chemistry and the origin of life.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of the composition of comet Halley's nucleus and emitted dust.
  • Characterization of yellow-orange-brown-black polymers, including ladder structures and polyamidines.

Main Results:

  • The non-volatile crust of comet Halley likely consists of condensed-phase polymers of hydrogen cyanide.

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  • Two types of polymers identified: ladder structures with conjugated -C=N- bonds and polyamidines.
  • These macromolecules could be significant components of dark matter on giant planets and outer solar system bodies.

    • Conclusions:

    • HCN polymers formed on comets could have been delivered to primitive Earth, potentially seeding life.
    • These polymers may have formed a proteinaceous matrix, facilitating the molecular interactions necessary for life's emergence.