Skip to main content

interstellar benzene formation experiment fails

Interstellar Benzene Formation: Experiment Shows the Theory May Not Hold Up

Introduction to the Study of Benzene Formation in Space

Interstellar Experiment on Benzene Formation. Credit: Nature Astronomy (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41550-025-02504-y

Researchers at the University of Colorado's JILA, alongside the National Institute of Science and Technology, performed an experiment to verify the formation of benzene in interstellar conditions as predicted by theory. The experiment yielded no benzene. The research, let by G. S. Kocheril, C. Zagorec-Marks, and H. J. Lewandowski, is feature in Nature Astronomy.

Theoretical Background: Ion-Molecule Collisions and Benzene Formation

Theoretical studies in the 1990's proposed that ion-molecule collisions could serve as a primary mechanism for interstellar benzene formation. These theories are crucial in astrophysical research, as benzene is considered a precursor to poly-cyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are believed to store cosmic carbon—a  key element in the origins of carbon-based life.

Challenges in Experimentally Validating Benzene Formation Theories

The experimental validation of theories regarding benzene formation in interstellar space has remained unexplored due to the challenge of replicating such extreme conditions. In their paper and a recent symposium presentation, the researchers stated that their JILA laboratory is equipped to conduct such as experiment.

The Experimental Setup: Extreme Conditions at JILA

The experiment was conducted under extreme conditions, with molecular interactions observed at a pressure nearly a trillion times lower than sea level and temperatures reduced to just 1 K. The process involved combining neutral acetylene with a potent proton donor, specifically N₂H⁺.

Mass Spectrometric Analysis and Unexpected Results

Mass spectrometric analysis confirmed that acetylene was protonated by the donor as predicted, yielding C₆H₅⁺. However, introducing H₂ did not trigger the anticipated reaction, preventing benzene formation and, consequently, the initiation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon synthesis.

Implications of the Findings: Re-evaluating Benzene Formation Theories

The team's findings indicate that alternative mechanisms for benzene formation in interstellar space must be explored. One potential avenue involves revisiting a 2011 University of Hawaii study, which proposed that neutral ethynyl radicals reacting with neutral 1,3-butadiene could facilitate benzene synthesis.

Source


Discover More About Space Research and Beyond!

The study on benzene formation in interstellar space opens new doors for astrophysical research. If you're passionate about groundbreaking scientific discoveries, explore more insights into health, science and the environment:

Stay connected for more exciting updates in science and space exploration!

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

NASA chile scientists comet 3i atlas nickel mystery

NASA and Chilean Scientists Study 3I/ATLAS, A Comet That Breaks the Rules Interstellar visitors are rare guests in our Solar System , but when they appear they often rewrite the rules of astronomy. Such is the case with 3I/ATLAS , a fast-moving object that has left scientists puzzled with its bizarre behaviour. Recent findings from NASA and Chilean researchers reveal that this comet-like body is expelling an unusual plume of nickel — without the iron that typically accompanies it. The discovery challenges conventional wisdom about how comets form and evolve, sparking both excitement and controversy across the scientific community. A Cosmic Outsider: What Is 3I/ATLAS? The object 3I/ATLAS —the third known interstellar traveler after "Oumuamua (2017) and 2I/Borisov (2019) —was first detected in July 2025 by the ATLAS telescope network , which scans he skies for potentially hazardous objects. Earlier images from Chile's Vera C. Rubin Observatory had unknowingly captured it, but ...
Post a Comment
Read more

bermuda triangle rogue waves mystery solved

Bermuda Triangle Mystery: Scientist Claims Rogue Waves May Explain Vanishing Ships and Aircraft for decades, the Bermuda Triangle has captured the world's imagination, often described as a supernatural hotspot where ships vanish and aircraft disappear without a trace. From ghostly ships adrift to unexplained plane crashes, this stretch of ocean between Bermuda, Puerto Rico and Florida remains one of the most infamous maritime mysteries. But now, Dr. Simon Boxall, an oceanographer at the University of Southampton , suggests the answer may not be extraterrestrial at all. Instead, he argues that the truth lies in rogue waves — giant, unpredictable surges of water capable of swallowing even the largest ships within minutes. The Bermuda Triangle: A Legacy of Fear and Fascination The Bermuda Triangle has inspired decades of speculation , with theories ranging from UFO abductions to interdimensional rifts. Popular culture, documentaries and countless books have kept the legend alive, of...
Post a Comment
Read more

nist breakthrough particle number concentration formula

NIST Researchers Introduce Breakthrough Formula for Particle Number Concentration Understanding the number of particles in a sample is a fundamental task across multiple scientific fields — from nanotechnology to food science. Scientists use a measure called Particle Number Concentration (PNC) to determine how many particles exist in a given volume, much like counting marbles in a jar. Recently, researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed a novel formula that calculates particle concentrations with unprecedented accuracy. Their work, published in Analytical Chemistry , could significantly improve precision in drug delivery, nanoplastic assessment and monitoring food additives. Related reading on Nanotechnology advancements: AI systems for real-time flood detection . What is Particle Number Concentration (PNC)? Defining PNC Particle Number Concentration indicates the total count of particles within a specific volume of gas or liquid,...
Post a Comment
Read more