The evolving chemistry of protoplanetary disks

Planets form from the gas and dust in disks that surround young stars. Chemicals in the disk that evaporate easily, called volatiles, include important molecules like water, carbon monoxide, nitrogen, as well as other simple organic molecules. The amount of volatile material that accumulates in a planet as it forms is a key factor in determining the planet's atmosphere and suitability for life, and depends on the details of the gas and ice reservoirs in the disk at the time of planet formation.