Experimental Jovian Photochemistry: Initial Results

Experimental simulations of the ultraviolet photochemistry of the lower Jovian NH4Sll and NH4OH clouds have been performed. With CH4, C2H6, NH3, H2S, and 1130 as precursor materials, the principal gas-phase chemical and photochemical products are NH4SH, (C2H5S)2, (C2H5)2S, CH3CN, and possibly (CH3S)3 and 112S2. The principal identified constituents in the NH4Oll solution are polymeric sulfur, S1 through SI, and a range of a-amino acids. An orange-brown polymeric material, reminiscent of the colors of the North Equatorial Belt, is produced. The NH4OH clouds of Jupiter may be of considerable exobiological interest.