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Evidence of both molecular cloud and fluid chemistry in Ryugu regolith.

Maitrayee BoseRobert A RootYunbin GuanJacob EatonAxel WittmannThomas SkrmettiSteven J Desch
Published in: Science advances (2024)
The sulfur chemistry of (162173) Ryugu particles can be a powerful tracer of molecular cloud chemistry and small body processes, but it has not been well explored. We report identification of organosulfurs and a sulfate grain in two Ryugu particles, A0070 and A0093. The sulfate grain shows oxygen isotope ratios (δ 17 O = -11.0 ± 4.3 per mil, δ 18 O = -7.8 ± 2.3 per mil) that are akin to silicates in Ryugu but exhibit mass-independent sulfur isotopic fractionation (Δ 33 S = +5 ± 2 per mil). A methionine-like coating on the sulfate grain is isotopically anomalous (δ 15 N = +62 ± 2 per mil). Both the sulfate and organosulfurs can simultaneously form and survive during aqueous alteration within Ryugu's parent body, under reduced conditions, low temperature, and a pH >7 in the presence of N-rich organic molecules. This work extends the heliocentric zone where anomalous sulfur, formed by selective photodissociation of H 2 S gas in the molecular cloud, is found.
Keyphrases
  • metal organic framework
  • solid phase extraction
  • drug discovery
  • single molecule
  • ionic liquid
  • gas chromatography