Editorial. Organic compounds in the universe. Synthesis, molecular evolution and relevance for prebiotic processes

The exploration of organic compounds beyond Earth has rapidly evolved into one of the most dynamic frontiers in modern science. At the intersection of astrochemistry and astrobiology, researchers are now uncovering how simple molecules formed in space can evolve into increasingly complex systems with clear relevance for prebiotic chemistry. Advances in observational astronomy, laboratory simulations, and computational chemistry have collectively revealed that molecular clouds, protoplanetary disks, and meteorites are not chemically inert environments, but rather active sites where the building blocks of life may emerge. The detection of amino acids, phosphorus-bearing species, and other prebiotically relevant molecules in extraterrestrial settings has intensified interest in understanding the chemical pathways that bridge cosmic chemistry and the origins of life.