Publication at Faculty of Science, Central Library of Charles University |
2020
Abstract
Terrestrial volcanism has been one of the dominant geological forces shaping our planet since its earliest existence. Its associated phenomena, like atmospheric lightning and hydrothermal activity, provide a rich energy reservoir for chemical syntheses.
Based on our laboratory simulations, we propose that on the early Earth volcanic activity inevitably led to a remarkable production of formic acid through various independent reaction channels. Large-scale availability of atmospheric formic acid supports the idea of the high-temperature accumulation of formamide in this primordial environment.