24th Annual Student Research Conference
Computational Studies of Interstellar Carbenes
Amare M. Assefa* and Alexis R. Morris
Dr. Eric V. Patterson, Faculty Mentor
Through advancements in spectroscopy scientists have identified numerous organic molecules in interstellar space. These molecules are typically highly energetic and reactive, and would not survive in the atmosphere of a planet such as Earth. However, it is possible that highly reactive interstellar molecules gave rise to more familiar organic compounds. The chemistry of these exotic species is one subject of interest in the Patterson lab which will potentially advance our understanding of how precursors react to form larger organic molecules such as amino acids. The chemistry of a number of interstellar molecules is being explored through quantum chemical modeling in effort to understand their properties and reactivity. Data from a few of these high energy molecules will be presented.
Keywords: Astrobiology, carbene, 1-phenyldiazopropyne , HC4N
Topic(s):Astrobiology
Chemistry
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 13-5
Location: MG 1096
Time: 10:30