Ab initio Studies of Reactions Involving Astrophysical Ices: Implications for Exobiology

Organic material formed in the protosolar nebula and accreted into comets may have contributed to the origin of life on earth. Lab studies indicate that some reactions are enhanced when they occur on an ice surface or when bound within an ice matrix. After describing the role of ice studies in the context of the field of exobiology, two ab initio studies will be presented: (1) the influence of water on H+CO and H+H₂CO surface reactions and (2) the impact of bulk ice on reactions involving H₂CO, NH₃, and H₂O.

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