# Hydrogen Cyanide in Nitrogen-Rich Atmospheres of Rocky Exoplanets

## TL;DR

This paper explores the chemical pathways and conditions under which hydrogen cyanide can form and persist in nitrogen-rich atmospheres of rocky exoplanets, highlighting its relevance for prebiotic chemistry.

## Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of HCN formation and destruction mechanisms in various atmospheric compositions, emphasizing the role of methane, acetylene, and CO2.

## Key findings

- HCN can be produced in atmospheres rich in methane or acetylene.
- Significant HCN production (>1 ppm) is possible in CO-dominated atmospheres.
- HCN destruction depends on the reaction barrier with atomic oxygen.

## Abstract

Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is a key feedstock molecule for the production of life's building blocks. The formation of HCN in an N$_2$-rich atmospheres requires first that the triple bond between N$\equiv$N be severed, and then that the atomic nitrogen find a carbon atom. These two tasks can be accomplished via photochemistry, lightning, impacts, or volcanism. The key requirements for producing appreciable amounts of HCN are the free availability of N$_2$ and a local carbon to oxygen ratio of C/O $\geq 1$. We discuss the chemical mechanisms by which HCN can be formed and destroyed on rocky exoplanets with Earth-like N$_2$ content and surface water inventories, varying the oxidation state of the dominant carbon-containing atmospheric species. HCN is most readily produced in an atmosphere rich in methane (CH$_4$) or acetylene (C$_2$H$_2$), but can also be produced in significant amounts ($> 1$ ppm) within CO-dominated atmospheres. Methane is not necessary for the production of HCN. We show how destruction of HCN in a CO$_2$-rich atmosphere depends critically on the poorly-constrained energetic barrier for the reaction of HCN with atomic oxygen. We discuss the implications of our results for detecting photochemically produced HCN, for concentrating HCN on the planet's surface, and its importance for prebiotic chemistry.