We've long known that -- at extreme temperatures, the chemical bonding rules we observe on Earth. . . at least seem to be bendable. [Prior postings -- on this topic -- here.]
And these (below) newly discovered "edge conditions" in chemistry, provide encouraging insights to how complex amino acids may have formed quite widely throughout the universe.
Here's the latest on it all:
. . .Some substances that don't mix on Earth can combine in ultra freezing conditions like those on Saturn's largest moon, breaking one of the best-known rules of chemistry, new research shows.
Titan, a hazy orange world about 880 million miles away in space, shares similarities with early Earth and is the only other place in the solar system with a thick atmosphere, as well as lakes and dunes on its surface. A key reason scientists study the moon is to try to figure out how the first chemical steps toward creating life may have unfolded on our own planet.
For years, scientists have wondered if these liquids might also allow the crucial chemistry necessary for life to occur — or at least the kind familiar to us. That question drives NASA's $3.35 billion Dragonfly mission, set to launch in July 2028 and reach Titan six years later. Scientists think a deep underground ocean of liquid water may also exist within Titan, possibly capable of supporting life.
The Chalmers team used computer models to simulate thousands of possible molecular combinations. They found that organic compounds could sneak into hydrogen cyanide’s crystal structure and form "co-crystals." Because these could exist at Titan's frigid temperatures and they match NASA's lab results, there's a good chance these chemical mixtures actually occur on Titan, the scientists say.
"I see it as a nice example of when boundaries are moved in chemistry and a universally accepted rule does not always apply," Rahm said. . . .
And so, onward -- to a not too distant in time launch of NASA / JPL's Dragonfly. What wonders of "edge" chemistry might we find lurking just below the frigid surface of Titan… Who knows? But we encourage you to stay tuned. Grin.
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