Comets are a source of prebiotic molecules that likely enriched the early Earth during the Late Heavy Bombardment period. Laboratory experiments that replicate cometary conditions may facilitate understanding of the chemical reactions and supplement observational studies of these icy bodies. Prebiotic compounds, such as formic acid and formaldehyde, have been observed in comets. Furthermore, these compounds can easily be formed in experimental models using a variety of gas combinations and energy sources. We conducted experimental cometary simulations using radiation chemistry tools to obtain insight into the possible fate of formic acid and formaldehyde. The main results suggest a redundant system, signifying that the irradiation of formic acid forms formaldehyde molecules and vice versa. This phenomenon ensures the permanence of prebiotic molecules in high-radiation environments. Additionally, the potential role of forsterite and graphite was explored in cometary simulations. Our experimental results show the differential formation of aldehydes and other carbonyl-containing compounds dependent on the mineral phase present.

中文翻译：

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彗星类似物中的辐射诱导反应

彗星是生命起源前分子的来源，这些分子可能在晚期重轰炸期丰富了早期地球。复制彗星条件的实验室实验可能有助于理解化学反应并补充对这些冰体的观察研究。在彗星中观察到了益生元化合物，例如甲酸和甲醛。此外，这些化合物可以很容易地在使用各种气体组合和能源的实验模型中形成。我们使用辐射化学工具进行了实验性彗星模拟，以深入了解甲酸和甲醛的可能命运。主要结果表明存在冗余系统，表明甲酸的辐照形成甲醛分子和反之亦然. 这种现象确保了益生元分子在高辐射环境中的持久性。此外，还在彗星模拟中探索了镁橄榄石和石墨的潜在作用。我们的实验结果表明，醛和其他含羰基化合物的不同形成取决于存在的矿物相。