Numerical simulation of organic compounds formation in planetary atmospheres: Comparison with laboratory experiments

Abstract A numerical model of CH 4 and CH 4 NH 3 photochemistry at 147 nm has been developed and results are directly compared with experimental simulations carried out for the same mixtures. Simulations with varying quantities of ammonia and hydrogen show how amines and nitriles can be produce in planetary atmospheres. These comparisons allow one to test schemes of reactions used in photochemical models. In particular, it is shown that the scheme of reactions of CH 4 is fairly well consistent with experimental data. On the other hand, the photochemistry of NH 3 should be improved.