Complex molecules seen in space

[Mr. McD]

Astronomers have detected two of the most complex carbon-rich molecules ever found in interstellar space.

Large carbon-rich molecules of many different types have been seen in this cloud in the past, including alcohols, aldehydes, and acids.

The two new molecules - ethyl formate and n-propyl cyanide - were found in a hot, dense cloud of gas which contains a luminous newly formed star. They represent two different classes of molecule: the esters and alkyl cyanides.

Astronomers believe it could only be a matter of time before amino acids are found in interstellar space. This class of molecules is needed for the production of proteins, and are therefore essential for life.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8009014.stm

[Ian David]

1. Has anyone ever scanned the cosmos for signs of Chlorophyl? n/t

[pleah]

2. ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g79_ljVC5Wk


:evilgrin:

[Ian David]

4. OMG! And it's Rated "G"?? n/t

[qazplm]

6. G...

for

GREEEEEEN SLIIIIIIMMMEEE!

[Arctic Dave]

5. That was awesome!

:rofl:

[Orrex]

8. Attempt no landing there.

[pleah]

3. K&R Cool!

[and-justice-for-all]

7. Well isn't that insteresting. nt

[Bill McBlueState]

9. Any organic chemists out there?

I'm an astronomer, so the most complex molecules I usually deal with are things like CO and H2O. How complex are these newly discovered molecules relative to the simplest amino acid?

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

10. I'd say slightly less complex than glycine.

Essentially they've got one functional group vs. the two in glycine.