Laboratory Analogs of Thermally Processed Ices Containing H2O, N2, NH3, CO2, and C2H3N Relevant to Astrophysical Environments

Abstract

Laboratory simulations can benefit ground- and space-based observations of icy bodies in outer space. It is well-known that NH3 and CO2 can interact, forming ammonium carbamate (CH6N2O2). Laboratory simulations can benefit ground- and space-based observations of icy bodies in outer space. It is well-known that NH3 and CO2 can interact forming ammonium carbamate (CH6N2O2). This study examines NH3 and CO2 in thermally processed H2O-rich ices in the laboratory via mid-infrared absorption spectroscopy. In particular, the presence of CO2 in NH3- ice mixtures thermally annealed at 150 K for more than four hours in systematic experiments suggested that ammonium carbamate could potentially trap volatiles within the ice matrix. This study examines NH3 and CO2 in thermally processed H2O-rich ices in the laboratory via mid-infrared absorption spectroscopy. In particular, the presence of CO2 in NH3-ice mixtures thermally annealed at 150 K for more than four hours in systematic experiments suggested that ammonium carbamate could potentially trap volatiles within the ice matrix. Additional studies with acetonitrile (C2H3N) in ice mixtures containing H2O, CO2, and NH3 were also performed. Additional studies with acetonitrile (C2H3N) in ice mixtures containing H2O, CO2, and NH3 were also performed. Absorption peak position changes were recorded when the temperature was slowly increased (≤ 5K/min) and also annealed at temperatures up to 150 K. These studies will hopefully be useful in interpreting pre-biotic chemistry in the Solar System.