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Formation of organic molecules on Titan

Abstract

The unique atmospheric environment on Titan has stimulated great interest in its organic chemistry. Recently1 we proposed that simple organic-nitrogen compounds such as HCN could be efficiently formed by cosmic ray bombardment of a nitrogen-containing atmosphere on Titan. Voyager I has now verified that molecular nitrogen is indeed the major constituent on Titan2–4 and that HCN is also present2. Based on these new data, we now propose that even more complex organic-nitrogen molecules such as ethyl cyanide (CH3CH2CN), vinyl cyanide (CH2CHCN), and cyanoacetylene (HCCCN) may be formed efficiently in the lower atmosphere of Titan, where lower temperatures and higher densities will ensure the efficacy of three-body ion–molecule association reactions. Interestingly, these compounds have been found in several dark interstellar clouds5,6, thus the chemistry suggested here is analogous to that proposed as an explanation of interstellar cyanopolyynes7. The only difference is the role played by three-body association reactions in the dense lower atmosphere of Titan. The mechanism proposed here rests upon a firmer experimental foundation than the analogous radiative association reactions in interstellar clouds.

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Capone, L., Prasad, S., Huntress, W. et al. Formation of organic molecules on Titan. Nature 293, 45–46 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1038/293045a0

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