Exploration of the mechanisms of prebiotic synthesis in impact craters

Exploration of the mechanisms of prebiotic synthesis in impact craters

Duration: From 2022 to 2024 (3 years)

Bilateral agreement: CNR/CAS (Czech Republic) – biennio 2022-2023

Funding Institution: CNR and Academy of Science, Czech Republic

Contact person: F. Saija (IPCF) – Martin Ferus, (Academy of Science, Czech Republic)

This project focuses on extensive experimental and theoretical investigations of formamide-based and hydrogen-cyanide- (HCN)-based prebiotic synthesis in post-impact hydrothermal model environments. Firstly, the fundamental Chemistry characterizing relatively simple – but prebiotically relevant – systems in absence of sulphur will be explored. In particular, the reaction mechanisms leading to the formation of non-sulphur biomolecules will be investigated and evaluated with the aim of comprehending their feasibility and plausibility. Furthermore, the Chemistry arising in systems containing either solid, liquid or gaseous sources of sulphur will be investigated along with the reaction mechanisms shaping the complex chemical reaction networks originating from promising reactants toward the synthesis of sulphur-containing prebiotic relevant molecules.

Other people involved: G. Cassone