Shock synthesis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from benzene: Its role in astrophysical processes

Abstract

It was experimentally shown that shock waves generated by projectile impact cause a reaction between benzene molecules to produce heavier aromatic hydrocarbons such as naphthalene, biphenyl, phenanthrene, and chrysene. Most of these shock induced‐molecules are detected in meteorites and cosmic dusts; some in interstellar environments. Such processes may have operated during shock events in interstellar environments.