The analysis of low molecular weight organic compounds in carbonaceous meteorites
Abstract
Analytical procedures, including methods adopted from the recent chemical literature and new methods developed for this study, were applied to the further characterization of the extractable organic compounds in the Murchison, Murray and Allende carbonaceous meteorites. The instrumental techniques used included colorimetry, gas chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The extracts were found to contain compounds from the alcohol, aldehyde, ketone and amine functional groups. Some progress was made in identifying and quantifying individual compounds as well as classes of organic compounds. Water was found to be as efficient a solvent for extraction as dilute acid even for the basic amines. Also, extraction with water in a sealed tube was found to retain compounds apparently lost through volatization during extraction under reflux conditions.
- Publication:
-
Ph.D. Thesis
- Pub Date:
- 1975
- Bibcode:
- 1975PhDT.........3J
- Keywords:
-
- Carbonaceous Meteorites;
- Meteoritic Composition;
- Organic Compounds;
- Alcohols;
- Aldehydes;
- Amines;
- Colorimetry;
- Gas Chromatography;
- Ketones;
- Mass Spectroscopy;
- Radicals;
- Lunar and Planetary Exploration