Analytical chemistry in the studies of chemical evolution

Abstract

Studies on analyses of bioorganic compounds which were abiotically synthesized in possible primitive planetary environments are reviewed. Life on earth is thought to have its origin about 3.8 billion years ago in primordial sea, using organic compounds dissolved in seawater. Various kinds of experiments have been performed to examine how these organic compounds were abiotically synthesized in simulated primitive terrestrial and/or extraterrestrial environments. Since reaction products of such experiments usually had quite complex matrices, the identification and/or determination of bioorganic compounds in them requires good separation methods and mass spectrometric techniques. Discrimination of the real products from contaminants from laboratory environments is another essential factor in these experiments. Analyses of extraterrestrial organic compounds are necessary for learning about not only the chemical evolution on other planetary bodies but also the chemical evolution and origin of life on our planet earth, because we have very few chemical fossils before the origin of life here on earth. New techniques and instruments for missions in search of organic compounds, on outer planets, comets and Mars are now required.