Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: CliffordK on 19/12/2014 11:31:02

Title: What do chloro-hydrocarbons mean on Mars?
Post by: CliffordK on 19/12/2014 11:31:02

What do chloro-hydrocarbons (organochlorides) mean on Mars? 

Apparently the Curiosity teams have announced finding organochlories on Mars. 

I suppose I'm not surprised that they found some simple organic (carbon-containing) compounds on Mars.  Methane, of course, has been observed in the atmosphere for years. 

It would seem like the organic chlorides would be very reactive, at least in some situations.  Is this important for abiogenesis?

Title: Re: What do chloro-hydrocarbons mean on Mars?
Post by: Bill S on 19/12/2014 15:30:15

It doesn't address your question, but there is a bit more here about methane.

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/d-brief/2014/12/17/methane-on-mars/#74686

Title: Re: What do chloro-hydrocarbons mean on Mars?
Post by: Ophiolite on 22/12/2014 15:40:21

You may find this research  (https://spiral.imperial.ac.uk/bitstream/10044/1/17784/2/Sephton%20%26%20Carter%202014%20Astrobiology.pdf)relevant.

Some chlorine was contained within a series of chlorohydrocarbons at levels that exceeded instrumental background. It is suggested that perchlorate chlorine has combined with organic carbon from a terrestrial derivatizing agent carried to Mars with the space-craft, but martian or meteoritic sources of organic carbon,which can be collectively termed indigenous, are also possibilities.

Sephton, M.A. & Carter, J.N. "Statistics Provide Guidance for Indigenous Organic
Carbon Detection on Mars Missions" Astrobiology Volume 14, Number 8, 2014

The paper's references will lead you to many more discussions on the topic.