How did photochemical reactions influence early atmospheric catalysis?
Photochemical reactions, driven by solar radiation, were significant in the chemistry of early Earth's atmosphere. Ultraviolet (UV) light provided the energy needed to break chemical bonds, leading to the formation of reactive species. These species could then participate in catalytic cycles, enabling the synthesis of more complex organic molecules. For instance, UV light could split water vapor into hydrogen and oxygen, which could then recombine with other atmospheric constituents to form new compounds.
