Processing of hydroxylamine, NH2OH, an important prebiotic precursor, on interstellar ices

ABSTRACT Hydroxylamine, NH2OH, is one of the already detected interstellar molecules with highest prebiotic potential. Yet, abundance this molecule found by astronomical observations rather low for a relatively simple molecule, ?10?10 relative to H2. This seemingly can be rationalized destruction routes operating on dust grains. In work, we tested viability hypothesis under several prisms, finding that origin lower NH2OH explained two chemical processes, at temperature (10 K) and other intermediate (20 K). At temperatures, enabling hydrogen abstraction reaction HNO + H ? NO H2, even in small amounts, partially inhibits formation through successive hydrogenation NO, reduces its We 15–30 per cent binding sites results reductions approximately orders magnitude. warmer temperatures K, our study), HNOH which was fast (k ? 106 s?1) followed further abstractions adsorbates are immobile 10 K (O, N) main route destruction. Our shed light hydroxylamine space pave way constraining subsequent chemistry experienced derivatives canvas.