Abstract: Organic compounds of high degree of complexity are now known to be widespread in the Universe, ranging from objects in our solar system to distant galaxies. Through the techniques of millimeter-wave spectroscopy, over 170 molecules have been identified through their rotational transitions. The list contains organic molecules of every kind, including hydrocarbons, alcohols, acids, aldehydes, amines, ethers, etc. Space infrared spectroscopy has detected the stretching and bending modes of compounds with aromatic and aliphatic structures and showed that complex organic compounds can be synthesized in evolved stars over periods as short as several hundred years. Analyses of samples of meteorites, comets, asteroids, and interplanetary dust also reveals a rich content of organic substances, some of which could be of extra-solar origin. We review the current state of understanding of the origin, evolution, nature, and distribution of organic matter in space. Also discussed are a number of unexplained astronomical phenomena whose origins could be traced to organic carriers.

References:
Kwok, S. The Synthesis of Organic and Inorganic Compounds in Evolved Stars, Nature, 430, 985 (2004)
Kwok, S. and Zhang, Y.  Mixed aromatic/aliphatic organic nanoparticles as carriers of unidentified infrared emission features, Nature, 479, 80 (2011)
Kwok, S.  Organic Matter in the Universe (Wiley, 2011)
Biog: Prof. Sun Kwok is the Dean of Science and Chair Professor of Physics at The University of Hong Kong. His recent books include Stardust: the Cosmic Seeds of Life (Springer, 2013), Organic Matter in the Universe (Wiley, 2011), Physics and Chemistry of the Interstellar Medium (University Science Books), Cosmic Butterflies (Cambridge, 2001), The Origin and Evolution of Planetary Nebulae (Cambridge, 2000). He is currently serving as President of Commission 34 (Interstellar Matter) and Vice President of Commission 51 (Bioastronomy) of the International Astronomical Union.