Tholin Synthesis within Titan’s Atmosphere
Major
Chemistry
Department
Chemistry
Degree
Undergraduate
Mentor
Donghui Quan
Mentor Department
Chemistry
Recommended Citation
Loomis-Anderson, Carl A., "Tholin Synthesis within Titan’s Atmosphere" (2015). University Presentation Showcase Event. 14.
https://encompass.eku.edu/swps/2015/undergraduate/14
Abstract
Saturn's moon Titan is the only moon in the Solar System that has a dense atmosphere having an atmospheric pressure 1.4 times that of Earth. High in Nitrogen density, it has an atmosphere similar to that of primordial Earth. Within this atmosphere are nitrogen rich hetero-polymers called Tholins. These could be an initiate of life on Earth due to the production of amino-acids when Tholins are put into nitric acid solution. The goal of this work is to understand the formation chemistry of Tholins and the roles of its precursors with the application of computer simulation. The models that are being used are based on the chemical kinetics codes developed by the Astrochemistry Group at Ohio State University. Also quantum chemical calculations with Gaussian are used to calculate necessary properties of the individual compounds. In result, time-dependent abundances of Tholin compounds and their precursors will be predicted and the major reaction pathways for the formation of Tholins will be identified. This study will both help enrich knowledge and understanding of complex organic molecules in Titan’s atmosphere and improve understanding of the development of life on primordial Earth.
Keywords; Tholin, Titan, Computer-Simulation
Presentation format
Poster
Poster Number
47
Tholin Synthesis within Titan’s Atmosphere
Saturn's moon Titan is the only moon in the Solar System that has a dense atmosphere having an atmospheric pressure 1.4 times that of Earth. High in Nitrogen density, it has an atmosphere similar to that of primordial Earth. Within this atmosphere are nitrogen rich hetero-polymers called Tholins. These could be an initiate of life on Earth due to the production of amino-acids when Tholins are put into nitric acid solution. The goal of this work is to understand the formation chemistry of Tholins and the roles of its precursors with the application of computer simulation. The models that are being used are based on the chemical kinetics codes developed by the Astrochemistry Group at Ohio State University. Also quantum chemical calculations with Gaussian are used to calculate necessary properties of the individual compounds. In result, time-dependent abundances of Tholin compounds and their precursors will be predicted and the major reaction pathways for the formation of Tholins will be identified. This study will both help enrich knowledge and understanding of complex organic molecules in Titan’s atmosphere and improve understanding of the development of life on primordial Earth.
Keywords; Tholin, Titan, Computer-Simulation
