Search of amino group in the Universe: 2-aminopyridine

Abstract

In search for life in the Universe, scientists are interested in identification of molecules having amino (-NH2) group in the interstellar space. The aminoacetonitrile (NH2CH2CN), which is precursor of the simplest amino acid glycine (NH2CH2COOH), is identified near the galactic center. The 2-Aminopyridine (H2NC5H4N) is of interest for scientists as it has a close association with life on the earth. Based on spectroscopic studies, we have calculated intensities of 2-Aminopyridine lines due to transitions between the rotational levels up to 47 cm−1 and have found a number of lines which may help in its identification in the interstellar medium. Frequencies of some of these transitions are found close to those detected in the envelope of IRC +10216 that are not assigned to any of the known species.

Keywords

• astrobiology
• astrochemistry
• ISM: molecules