[cout]

> These initial Webb observations also provided a possible detection of a molecule called dimethyl sulfide (DMS). On Earth, this is only produced by life. The bulk of the DMS in Earth’s atmosphere is emitted from phytoplankton in marine environments.

Given a sufficient quantity of reactants/reagents, could DMS be produced via a natural process, or is this a sufficiently unfavorable reaction that it's unlikely?

[marcosdumay]

I don't think anybody knows enough to tell you what kinds of reactions happen on planet-wide environments without an oxidizing atmosphere.

[kjkjadksj]

Chemist certainly do. Reactions are carried out at specific atmospheric conditions. E.g. oxygen may well be purged.

[marcosdumay]

Chemists do controlled reactions in controlled environments. It's a completely different thing from knowing what happens somewhere in a planet.

[kjkjadksj]

It is produced industrially without needing life. I’m not sure why its the alleged smoking gun if theoretically if the conditions are right and the reaction is catalyzed it will go on without needing a lifeform.

2 CH3OH + H2S → (CH3)2S + 2 H2O