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Single-throughput Complementary High-resolution Analytical Techniques for Characterizing Complex Natural Organic Matter Mixtures
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Methanetetrol and the final frontier in ortho acids
Joshua H Marks1,2, Xilin Bai3, Anatoliy A Nikolayev4
1Department of Chemistry, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA.
Nature Communications
|July 14, 2025
Summary
Methanetetrol, a molecule previously thought unstable, may exist in interstellar space. Experiments show it can form from carbonic acid under conditions mimicking cosmic ice clouds.
Area of Science:
- Astrochemistry
- Interstellar Medium Chemistry
- Molecular Ice Formation
Background:
- Methanetetrol (C(OH)4) dissociation impedes interstellar observation.
- Substituted orthocarbonates (C(OR)4) are stable, unlike methanetetrol.
- Interstellar ice chemistry is complex and not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the formation and stability of methanetetrol in simulated interstellar conditions.
- To probe exotic interstellar chemistry using advanced laboratory techniques.
- To determine if methanetetrol can form and persist in dense molecular clouds.
Main Methods:
- Simulating astrophysical ices in laboratory conditions (5-10 K, <10^-10 Torr).
- Utilizing synchrotron-generated vacuum ultraviolet light and photoionization.
- Employing high-energy irradiation to mimic cosmic ray effects on ices.
- Performing state-of-the-art electronic structure calculations.
Main Results:
- Conclusively revealed the reaction mechanism yielding methanetetrol.
- Simultaneously detected key intermediates: carbonic acid (HOCOOH) and methanetriol.
- Demonstrated methanetetrol formation under simulated interstellar conditions.
- Electronic structure calculations support experimental findings.
Conclusions:
- Methanetetrol formation is possible in interstellar environments.
- Abundant carbonic acid could lead to observable methanetetrol.
- Interstellar medium exhibits counterintuitive and unanticipated chemistry.
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