Irradiated benzene ice provides clues to meteoritic organic chemistry.

Highlights: [•] We analyzed the organic residue made from proton-irradiated benzene at ∼20K. [•] Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry unambiguously identified numerous polyphenyls. [•] High resolution mass spectrometry revealed a complex distribution of organics. [•] The mass spectral fingerprint of the benzene residue compared well with meteorites. [•] Radiation chemistry of benzene may have produced some meteoritic organics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]