Formation of organic molecules by the impact reaction among meteoritic minerals, water and nitrogen

Abstract

Frequent impacts of extraterrestrial objects melted the embryonic Earth, forming an inorganic body with a CO2 and N2-rich atmosphere. How and when abundant organic molecules appeared in such an inorganic world are fundamental inquiries into the origin of life. Here we report a facile impact synthesis of some biomolecules and their precursors from solid carbon (13C), iron, nickel, water, and nitrogen all of which would have been available during impact events on Earth's early oceans. Biomolecules and their precursors identified in the present shock recovery experiments are carboxylic acids, amines, and an amino acid. Therefore impacts of extraterrestrial objects on Hadean oceans might have prepared organic molecules in necessary abundance, variety, and complexity for life's origin.