Nitrogen-heterocyclic compounds in meteorites: significance and mechanisms of formation

Samples of the Murchison (C2), Murray (C2) and Orgueil (C1) carbonaceous meteorites were analyzed for nitrogen-heterocyclic compounds using gas chromatography, cation and anion exclusion liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. The purines adenine, guanine, hypoxanthine and xanthine were identified in formic acid extracts of all samples, in concentrations ranging from 114–655 ppb. Purines have not previously been found in the Murray meteorite and adenine. hypoxanthine and xanthine have never simultaneously been detected in meteorite extracts. All four biologically significant purines, as well as the pyrimidine uracil have now been identified in these meteorites. A number of other, previously reported N-heterocyclic compounds such as certain hydroxypyrimidines and s-triazines could not be detected in any of the extracts. Laboratory data indicated that both these classes of compounds may be formed from structurally simple precursors (such as guanylurea in the case of s-triazines) during the extraction and analysis of meteorite extracts. We find that the suite of N-heterocyclic compounds identified in meteorites do not, at present, permit a clear distinction to be made between mechanisms of synthesis such as the Fischer-Tropsch type and other candidates. Secondary reactions and conversions in meteorite parent bodies, of HCN and other nitriles produced by Miller-Urey type reactions as well as by Fischer-Tropsch type reactions, must also be considered.