Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
9 days ago
- #organic chemistry
- #astrobiology
- #astrophysics
- In 2004, scientists discovered hydrocarbons anthracene and pyrene in the Red Rectangle, a structure formed by two stars 2300 light years away.
- The Red Rectangle is a torus of icy dust grains and hydrocarbon molecules, about one-third of a light year across.
- PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) are common in space and on Earth, found in soot and tarry substances.
- PAHs consist of hexagonal carbon rings with hydrogen atoms; examples include benzene, naphthalene, anthracene, and pyrene.
- Approximately 10% of interstellar carbon is in the form of PAHs, which are stable and found even in supernova shock waves.
- PAHs are prevalent in carbonaceous chondrites, making up 80% of the carbon content in these meteorites.
- PAHs are considered important precursors to life on Earth and play a dominant role in the interstellar organic ecology.