Chemistry in Protoplanetary Disks

TL;DR

This review summarizes recent observational and theoretical advances in understanding the chemical composition and processes in protoplanetary disks, which are crucial for planet formation and composition.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of molecular observations, chemical reactions, modeling developments, and the connection between disk chemistry and planet formation.

Findings

Progress in locating snowlines in disks

Understanding of main chemical carriers of C, O, N

Detection of complex organic molecules in disks

Abstract

Planets are formed inside disks around young stars. The gas, dust, and ice in these natal disks are the building materials of planets, and therefore their compositions fundamentally shape the final chemical compositions of planets. In this review, we summarize current observations of molecular lines in protoplanetary disks, from near-infrared to millimeter wavelengths. We discuss the basic types of chemical reactions in disks and the current development of chemical modeling. In particular, we highlight the progress made in understanding snowline locations, abundances of main carriers of carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen, and complex organic molecules in disks. Finally, we discuss efforts to trace planet formation history by combining the understanding of disk chemistry and planet formation processes.