A variety of organic molecules have been detected in carbonaceous chondrites. Here we examine the possibility that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a precursor to the organic molecules found in meteorites and on asteroids. It is suggested that these PAHs can be altered by aqueous alteration in asteroids. Therefore, we examine the reactivity of fluoranthene (C16H10), a representative of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, in aqueous solutions under asteroidal conditions and its feasibility as a precursor to other organic molecules. Thus far, the results of our experiments show that fluoranthene is very resistant to the reaction. If present, new organic molecules were too low in concentration to be detected using our chosen techniques (e.g. ACCQ-Tag). Although fluoranthene was observed to dissolve into aqueous solutions using the AFM within the time frame of the longer term experiments, the only significant change in the fluoranthene was related to melting (melting point ~110 C). However, our dissolution experiments show that the dissolution rate of fluoranthene is promoted by the presence of salts (NaCl and MgSO4). Therefore, dissolution of olivine and other minerals into the solution during aqueous alteration will change the ability of the fluoranthene to enter fluid phase. Whether fluoranthene can react in the fluid phase over the time periods that aqueous alteration may have been active in meteorites and asteroids remains unclear.

Aqueous alteration of fluoranthene (C16H10) in asteroids and meteorites

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.