Characterizing the organic inventory of Mars is an important sciencegoal in the field of astrobiology. On Earth, the analysis of trace amounts oforganic material on a mineral matrix requires complex sample preparation, whilein-situ measurements on Mars have to be relatively simple. The use ofpyrolysis-GC-MS systems to analyze Martian soil samples was part of the Vikingmissions and will be part of the upcoming MSL and ExoMars missions. Thecomposition of any organic compounds on Mars is unknown and could range fromabiotic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), to complex organics, includingbiogenic compounds if life is or was ever present. The temperature duringpyrolysis and the interaction with the mineral matrix leads to chemicalreactions. Pyrolysis products will interact with oxygen and chlorine released bythermal decomposition of perchlorates. The use of derivatization reagents foraccess to less volatile amino acids and other polar substances also leads tocomplex chemical reactions.

MOMA: Analytical chemistry on Mars

242nd National Meeting (2011)

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