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:NH3:H2O gas mixture on an Al block at 10K, 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.

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