Previously unknown class of metalorganic compounds revealed in meteorites

Abstract

SignificanceIn this study we report the discovery of a previously unrecognized chemical class, dihydroxymagnesium carboxylates, [(HO)2MgO2CR]−, gained from nonterrestrial meteoritic analyses. The existence of such low-coordination organomagnesium anionic compounds expands our knowledge and understanding of extreme environments from which the early solar system emerged and has evolved. The appearance this CHOMg chemical class extends the previously investigated vast diversity of CHNOS groups in meteoritic soluble organics. Experimental evidence is given for the connection between the evolution of organic compounds and minerals. These thermostable compounds might have contributed to the stabilization of organic molecules on a geological time scale, which emphasizes their potential astrobiological relevance.

The Stubenberg meteorite—An LL6 chondrite fragmental breccia recovered soon after precise prediction of the strewn field

“…This reflects a high metamorphic temperature and a complex shock history of the parent body as explained in detail elsewhere (Ruf et al. ) as these thermostable metalorganic compounds could be related to the degree of thermal process of a meteorite. From the rapid results obtained on the soluble organic compositions, we conclude that Stubenberg shows characteristics consistent with the complex shock, brecciation, and lithification history of the breccia.…”

“…For details on the significance of the analysis see Ruf et al. (). Care was taken with respect to differentiate indigenous organic matter and possible terrestrial contamination by analyzing corresponding solvent methanolic blanks (Schmitt‐Kopplin et al.…”

High‐mass resolution molecular imaging of organic compounds on the surface of Murchison meteorite

“…The FT‐ICR/MS analysis also revealed presence of metalorganic compounds in various meteorites, including the Murchison meteorite (Ruf et al. ). In a more recent study, more than 600 peaks due to the presence of alkylated homologues of N‐containing heterocyclic compounds, which are mainly comprised of alkylimidazole and alkylpyridine, were identified by HPLC coupled with HRMS using Orbitrap MS in an MeOH extract obtained from the Murchison meteorite (Yamashita and Naraoka ; Naraoka et al.…”

The CM carbonaceous chondrite regolith Diepenveen

“…Organo‐magnesium compounds were found recently as indicators of thermal metamorphism, i.e., are almost not seen in very pristine material but highly abundant in higher temperature altered materials (Ruf et al. ).…”

“…Thermal alteration by heating or radiation can change the signatures of Murchison toward the signature of Diepenveen (Ruf et al. ). This result agrees with Vinogradoff et al.…”