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How Does Adenine Form from Hydrogen Cyanide?

Marco Cappelletti1, Martin Rahm1

  • 1Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg 412 96, Sweden.

Journal of the American Chemical Society
|January 21, 2026

View abstract on PubMed

Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The abiotic formation of adenine from hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is crucial for the origin of life. This study reveals complex reaction pathways and confirms diaminomaleonitrile (DAMN) as a necessary intermediate in adenine synthesis.

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Area of Science:

  • Astrobiology
  • Chemical Evolution
  • Origin of Life Studies

Background:

  • The abiotic synthesis of nucleobases, like adenine, from simple precursors is a fundamental question in the origin of life.
  • Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is a plausible prebiotic precursor, but its complex self-reaction chemistry has hindered understanding of adenine formation pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the detailed mechanistic pathways for the base-catalyzed formation of adenine from HCN in a liquid HCN environment.
  • To computationally investigate and compare proposed and novel reaction pathways, identifying key intermediates and reaction steps.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized quantum chemistry calculations to model reaction energetics and transition states.
  • Employed microkinetic modeling to simulate reaction kinetics and pathway interplays.
  • Incorporated established intermediates like aminomalononitrile (AMN) and diaminomaleonitrile (DAMN), alongside novel reaction steps.

    • Main Results:

    • Identified and compared four interwoven base-catalyzed pathways leading to adenine formation in liquid HCN.
    • Revealed previously unrecognized reaction steps, including the role of polyimine as an oxidizing agent.
    • Confirmed diaminomaleonitrile (DAMN) as an essential intermediate and demonstrated a complex, nonequilibrium interplay between reaction pathways.

    Conclusions:

    • The abiotic synthesis of adenine from HCN is mechanistically complex, involving multiple interconnected pathways.
    • Diaminomaleonitrile (DAMN) is a critical intermediate in the formation of adenine from HCN.
    • This research provides a robust computational framework for studying prebiotic chemistry and the origin of life.