Ethylene glycol in comet C/1995 O1 (Hale-Bopp)

Abstract

We report the detection of ethylene glycol (HOCH2CH2OH) in comet C/1995 O1 (Hale-Bopp) from the analysis of archival radio spectra. Its production rate is 0.25% that of water, making it one of the most abundant organic molecules in cometary ices. This detection strengthens the similarity between interstellar and cometary material.