Project description
Looking for the interstellar glycine precursor via carbon chemistry in our cosmos
Organic molecules are abundant in the interstellar medium (ISM) and other places in our universe. Better understanding of their origin and evolution and their journey from early molecular clouds to Earth will give an insight into the emergence of life on our planet and potentially others. Methylamine, CH3NH2, is the simplest amine and is considered a precursor to interstellar glycine, one of 22 amino acids that form all our proteins. The EU-funded CP-FTmmW Aminogen project is characterising the molecular structure and chemical properties of two intermediate products resulting from the extraction of hydrogen atoms from CH3NH2 by ultraviolet light or oxidation. Although these processes are common in the ISM and the earth's atmosphere, neither product has been directly observed or discovered in the ISM. Measurements will help scientists search for their existence in the ISM.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)
Coordinator
59000 Lille
France
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