Synthesis of Organic Compounds by High-Energy Electrons

Abstract

Experiments using C/sup 14/-methane and 5-Mev electrons showed that organic compounds are formed during the irradiation of mixtures of methane, ammonia, and water when these reactants are in the gas phase and also when they are in the solid phase. Radioautographic patterns of the compounds formed by high-energy electrons were similar to those obtained by electric discharges. The compounds detected by comparing two-dimensional chromatograms include amino acids, amino acid amides, amines, and other molecules of biological significance. The positions of some radioactive spots on the chromatograms corresponded closely to those of some purines and pyrimidines. It is suggested that radiation synthesis of organic and biochemical compounds is an important cosmic process. (C.H.)