Formation of Pre-biotic Molecules in Shocked Astrophysical Ices

We present herein \textit{ab initio} molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of peptide bond synthesis in shock compressed astrochemical mixtures such as found in comets and other celestial bodies. Given the likelihood of a CO$_{2}$-rich primitive atmosphere, it is probable that impact processes of icy interstellar masses were partially responsible for the creation of pre-biotic peptide (C---N) bonded materials on early Earth. To this end, we have studied C---N bond formation in a prototypical interstellar ice mixture shock compressed up to velocities close to Earth's escape velocity. Our results show that high shock velocities can drive the synthesis of a number of short-lived, exotic C---N bonded species at much high pressure-temperature conditions than previously thought. Stable amino acids are then formed upon quenching to lower temperature. Knowledge of chemical properties of these species under extreme thermodynamic conditions is essential for a complete understanding of the role of these impact processes in the formation of life-building compounds.