Scientists Probe the Source of Key Hydrocarbons on Earth—and in Space
Department of Energy, Office of SciencePolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of organic molecules that scientists believe are responsible for chemical processes that eventually lead to soot and carbonaceous nanoparticles on Earth and in space. However, scientists do not fully understand the role of reactions involving two free radicals in how PAHs form in extreme environments.