2015考研英语阅读天体化学_大学英语阅读

2015考研英语阅读天体化学

　　美国国家射电天文台的Anthony Remijan是将ALMA引入这个方向的天文学家中的一员。他正在研究甲酸甲酯的形成过程。从绝缘体到杀虫剂，可以说地球上到处都是甲酸甲酯。

　　Usually it is synthesised either from methanol and formic acid, or methanol and carbonmonoxide.

　　通常它由甲醇和甲酸，或甲醇和一氧化碳合成。

　　But there is, in theory, a third route that uses formic acid and an unstable substance madefrom methanol and hydrogen.

　　但是在理论上，还可以使用甲酸和一种不稳定的物质来制造甲酸甲酯。

　　This has not been seen in an Earthly laboratory, but Dr Remijan thinks it is an importantpathway in space, and ALMA should soon tell him if he is right.

　　这还没有在地球上的实验室中发现，但Remijan博士认为在太空中这是一个重要的过程。ALMA应该很快就会告诉他他是否正确。

　　Probably, that particular discovery will have no practical consequences.

　　也许，上述特别的发现不会产生实用效果。

　　The known syntheses are effective, and methyl formate is already cheap.

　　甲酸甲酯熟知的合成方法很有效，而且它很便宜。

　　But it will prove a principle about using the cosmos as a chemistry laboratory, and the hopeis that similar findings about other molecules that are harder to make may allow chemicalengineers at home to reformulate their processes.