Infrared absorption spectra from organic matter in the asteroid Ryugu samples: Some unique properties compared to unheated carbonaceous chondrites

The infrared spectral characteristics of organic-rich acid residues prepared from Ryugu samples returned by the JAXA Hayabusa2 mission generally match those from unheated carbonaceous chondrite meteorites, but the residues from Ryugu are richer in methyl and methylene functional groups and have higher CH2/CH3 ratios. Moreover, two distinct outlier carbonaceous phases are found; one with spectral characteristics of N-H functional groups, likely amides, and a second phase containing less nitrogen. Such infrared characteristics of Ryugu organic matter might indicate the pristine nature of the freshly collected samples and reflect the near-surface chemistry in the parent asteroid.

Automated summary

The infrared spectral characteristics of organic-rich acid residues from Ryugu samples returned by the JAXA Hayabusa2 mission are similar to unheated carbonaceous chondrite meteorites, but with a higher abundance of methyl and methylene functional groups and a higher CH2/CH3 ratio. Additionally, two distinct outlier carbonaceous phases are identified, one with N-H functional groups likely indicating amides, and a second phase with lower nitrogen content. These infrared characteristics suggest the pristine nature of the freshly collected samples and provide insights into the near-surface chemistry of the parent asteroid.