• Simulated early Martian atmosphere CO₂/CO/H₂ yields oxygenated organics via radiation. • UV and laser-induced plasma drive formation of alcohols, ethers, and aldehydes. • Pentose-like compounds tentatively identified among reaction products. • Water vapor significantly enhances abiotic synthesis of organic compounds. • The ancient Mars atmosphere could have been a source of organic matter.
Carreón et al. (Fri,) studied this question.