P. P. Saxena*
Department of Mathematics and Astronomy, Lucknow
University, Lucknow 226 007, India
Abstract. In view of the possible production of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde in Titan's atmosphere, the production of alpha-amino nitriles, the precursors of glycine and alanine amino acids, is explored in the upper atmosphere of Titan. The presence of glycine and alanine amino acids or their precursor amino nitriles can be used as a diagnostic respectively for the presence or absence of water locally on the surface of Titan.
Keywords: Titan, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, alpha-amino nitrile, glycine and alanine amino acids