Hot hydrogen atoms: initiators of reactions of interest in interstellar chemistry and evolution.

Photochemically generated hot hydrogen atoms initiate reactions with simple molecular substrates including methane to produce organic alcohols, amines, acids, amino acids, and other compounds. The typical quantum yields for the formation of amino acids are 2 x 10(-5) to 4 x 10(-5). Hot hydrogen atoms may be important initiators of reactions in interstellar space and in planetary atmospheres.