Organic Compounds in the Universe: Synthesis, Molecular Evolution and Relevance for Prebiotic Processes

The study of prebiotic chemistry in the context of astrophysics, i.e., Astrochemistry, is gaining momentum, aiming to understand the physicochemical processes present in space. Molecular clouds, protoplanetary disks, and exoplanets are examples of complex systems that are relevant to prebiotic chemistry in the Universe and have been studied using several techniques, such as fine-level analytics, computational chemistry, and remote spectroscopy. The knowledge gained using such methodologies has clarified the formation and evolution of celestial bodies and environments, therefore elucidating key issues in Astrobiology, such as water at protoplanetary discs. The identification of unusual molecules of prebiotic importance in meteorites, such as phosphorus-bearing compounds, is providing insight into the view of habitability in the Universe. The study of the origins and distribution of life in the Universe is expanding, with scientists identifying organic molecules, e.g., amino acids, at regions of star and planetary formation using sensitive instruments. The feedback between these kinds of findings and instrumental improvement is provoking the inclusion of molecules with significant astrobiological importance (e.g., biosignals and biomarkers) within Astrochemistry, specifically in the field of chemical evolution of the Universe. As a waterfall effect, it is expected that databases (spectroscopic features, chemical states, chemical reactivity at low temperature, etc.) used in theoretical analyses are becoming closer to real scenarios.

Therefore, the study of the chemical reactions that occurred before the emergence of life has expanded the inventory and circumstances of organic molecules outside of the Earth and the Solar System, which has inspired experiments possible from the instrumental point of view but, surprisingly, not contemplated before. In this view, more literature in the community rooting from Astrochemistry and radiating to Astrobiology is needed. It points out the main goal of this Research Topic: to present and disseminate recent advances in Astrochemistry and Astrobiology, to understand the origins of molecular systems in the Universe, their distribution and evolution, relevant to the origins of life.

We welcome authors to contribute their work, which bridges the gaps between Astrochemistry and Astrobiology, with the motivation that the origins of life in the Universe must be explored and theorized. Proposals should be conceived as building blocks for future debates on this Research Topic. Potential research themes include, but are not limited to:
- Process of prebiotic oligomerization and prebiotic processes in molecular clouds, meteorites, exoplanets, protoplanetary discs.
- Assessment and development of techniques for detection of organic molecules.
- Advancements regarding molecular evolution in extraterrestrial environments.