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Photosynthesis of organic compounds in the atmosphere of JupiterAn efficient conversion of CH4 to hydrocarbons and HCN takes place when NH3 is photolysed in the presence of CH4, H2, and He using a 184.9 nm light source. The extent of NH3 decomposition after a 1 hr exposure was determined spectrophotometrically; CH4, N2, and C2 and C3 hydrocarbons were detected and analyzed by mass spectrometry. Photolysis of one molar equivalent of NH3 results in the loss of 0.84 molar equivalent of CH4, which apparently reacts with hot hydrogen atoms produced by photolysis. The 8% of the NH3 which is not converted to N2 probably is converted to organic amines and nitrile derivatives. The results indicate that NH3 photolysis is a highly probable mechanism for the conversion of methane to more complex hydrocarbons in the upper atmosphere of Jupiter, and predict the occurrence of HCN, NH2NH2, and higher hydrocarbons in the Jovian atmosphere above the NH3 clouds.
Document ID
19760033515
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Ferris, J. P.
(Rensselaer Polytechnic Inst. Troy, NY, United States)
Chen, C. T.
(Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, N.Y., United States)
Date Acquired
August 8, 2013
Publication Date
December 18, 1975
Publication Information
Publication: Nature
Volume: 258
Subject Category
Space Biology
Accession Number
76A16481
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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