Study on the chemical evolution of low molecular weight compounds in a highly oxidized atmosphere using electric discharges

The molecular basis for the chemical evolution of low molecular compounds was studied using electric discharges on a higly oxidized atmosphere comprised of CO₂, N₂ and H₂O. In the gas phase, O₂ and CO were formed by the decomposition of CO₂ and their yields were enhanced by the addition of N₂ to the gas mixture. It was demonstrated that H₂O suppressed the reduction of CO₂ while H₂O also had a role in producing organic compounds such as formic acid and formaldehyde. Infrared analysis of the water soluble products and the inner surface of the reaction vessel indicated the production of compounds more complex than formic acid and formaldehyde. These compounds contained the chemical bonds which were identified to be OH, CO, CN and/or CC.