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Updated: Mar 28, 2026

Simulation of the Planetary Interior Differentiation Processes in the Laboratory
Published on: November 15, 2013
Synthesis of heavy hydrocarbons at the core-mantle boundary
Anatoly B Belonoshko1, Timofiy Lukinov1, Anders Rosengren1,2
1Condensed Matter Theory, Theoretical Physics, AlbaNova University Center, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.
Abstract:
The synthesis of complex organic molecules with C-C bonds is possible under conditions of reduced activity of oxygen. We have found performing ab initio molecular dynamics simulations of the C-O-H-Fe system that such conditions exist at the core-mantle boundary (CMB). H2O and CO2 delivered to the CMB by subducting slabs provide a source for hydrogen and carbon. The mixture of H2O and CO2 subjected to high pressure (130 GPa) and temperature (4000 to 4500 K) does not lead to synthesis of complex hydrocarbons. However, when Fe is added to the system, C-C bonds emerge. It means that oil might be a more abundant mineral than previously thought.
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