PMID: 11605642Oct 19, 2001Paper

Production of hydrocarbons and nitriles by electrical processes in Titan's atmosphere

Advances in Space Research : the Official Journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
R Navarro-GonzálezF Raulin

Abstract

Although lightning has not been observed in Titan's atmosphere, the presence of methane rain in the troposphere suggests the possibility of electrical activity in the form of corona and/or lightning discharges. Here we examine the chemical effects of these electrical processes on a Titan simulated atmosphere composed of CH4 in N2 at various mixing ratios. Corona discharges were simulated in two different experimental arrays. For the detection of reactive intermediates we used a mass spectrometer to study the main positive ions arising by bombarding low-energy electrons from a hot filament into low-pressure methane. The final stable products, generated by applying a high voltage in a coaxial reactor with either positive or negative polarity, were separated and detected by gas chromatography-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and electron impact mass spectrometry (GC-FTIR-MS). Lightning discharges were simulated by a hot and dense plasma generated by a Nd-YAG laser and the final products were separated and detected by GC-FTIR-MS. Corona discharges produce linear and branched hydrocarbons as well as nitriles whereas lightning discharges generate mainly unsaturated hydrocarbons and nitriles. Lightning discharges are about 2 or...Continue Reading

References

Sep 1, 1982·Origins of Life·F RaulinG Toupance
Oct 20, 2000·Science·C A GriffithT R Geballe
Jan 1, 1991·Origins of Life and Evolution of the Biosphere : the Journal of the International Society for the Study of the Origin of Life·C Chyba, C Sagan
Sep 6, 1991·Science·C P McKayR Courtin
Jan 1, 1997·Advances in Space Research : the Official Journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)·R Navarro-Gonzalez, S I Ramirez

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Nov 19, 2011·Chemical Reviews·Morgan L CablePeter A Willis
May 15, 2013·The Journal of Physical Chemistry. a·E Kathrin LangRuth Signorell
Oct 16, 2009·The Journal of Physical Chemistry. a·N CarrascoG Cernogora

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.

Related Papers

Advances in Space Research : the Official Journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
S I RamirezF Raulin
Advances in Space Research : the Official Journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
R Navarro-Gonzalez, S I Ramirez
Advances in Space Research : the Official Journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
P EhrenfreundB Khare
© 2021 Meta ULC. All rights reserved