Study of Fischer–Tropsch-type reactions on chondritic meteorites

Context. How simple organic matter appeared on Earth and the processes by which it transformed into more evolved compounds, ultimately led to emergence of life, is still an open topic. Different scenarios have been proposed, main one assumes that compounds were synthesized, either in gas phase or surfaces dust grains, during process star formation they incorporated larger bodies protoplanetary disk. The transformation these complex forms a debate. Recent discoveries pointed catalytic properties grains present early stellar envelope, can nowadays be found form chondrites. significant infall chondritic meteorites periods suggests same reactions could taken place certain environments Earth’s surface, with conditions favorable for synthesis. Aims. This work attempts synthesize molecules, such as hydrocarbons alcohols via Fischer–Tropsch-type supported different materials under early-Earth conditions, investigate if synthesis likely occur this environment determine what differences are selectivity when using types Methods. investigated from mixtures CO H 2 at 1 atm pressure samples. products obtained analyzed situ chromatography. Results. Fischer–Tropsch reaction quantitative amounts. alkanes alkenes being processes. also takes smaller amount. Other secondary qualitative way. Conclusions. Chondritic material proven good supports occurrence Under circumstances Earth, produced suitable occur.