Ever wondered if the chemical processes taking place in space could be related to the origins of life?

The authors of this book, both experienced astrochemists, embark on a discussion to find the answers to this question and more, and include a general introduction to astrochemistry for chemistry students. They explore chemistry occurring in the universe from its very early beginnings until the present era.

Based on our current understanding, astrochemistry is known to occur in interstellar gas, on dust grains and in interstellar ices, in stellar atmospheres and envelopes, in dense star- and planet-forming regions, and on planets and other bodies in planetary systems. Recent observational discoveries supported by remarkable laboratory work emphasize chemical complexity, leading to answers to the tantalizing question: can this complexity be related to the origin of life?

This book provides the tools to enable chemistry students to make their own computational investigations of astrochemistry and directs study across the chemical sciences and astronomy. Concentrating on fundamental processes, this book is a useful teaching aid.

What is Astrochemistry?;Detecting Astronomical Molecules;Gas Phase Reactions in Interstellar and Circumstellar Media;Gas Phase Chemical Networks in Interstellar Clouds;Databases and Computer Software for Astrochemistry in Interstellar Clouds;Chemistry and Dust Formation in Circumstellar Regions and Supernovae;Surface Chemistry on Interstellar Dust Grains;Interstellar Ices and Solid-state Chemistry as a Route to Chemical Complexity;Interstellar Chemistry, Astrobiology, and The Origin of Life;Conclusions