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Structural studies on HCN oligomers

J P Ferris, E H Edelson, J M Auyeung

    Journal of Molecular Evolution
    |January 1, 1981
    PubMed
    Summary
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    Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies on hydrogen cyanide (HCN) oligomers reveal carboxamide and urea groups, but no conclusive evidence for prebiotic peptide bonds. Pyrolysis products support these findings, indicating HCN oligomers were unlikely prebiotic peptide sources.

    Area of Science:

    • Astrochemistry
    • Prebiotic Chemistry
    • Organic Chemistry

    Background:

    • Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) oligomers are considered potential precursors in prebiotic chemistry.
    • Understanding the chemical structure and functional groups of HCN oligomers is crucial for evaluating their role in the origin of life.
    • Previous studies have proposed various structures and functionalities for HCN oligomers.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the chemical structure and functional groups present in HCN oligomers.
    • To determine if HCN oligomers contain peptide bonds, which are essential for life as we know it.
    • To assess the potential of HCN oligomers as sources of prebiotic peptides.

    Main Methods:

    • Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectral studies were employed to analyze the functional groups.

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  • Pyrolysis was conducted to identify volatile products released upon heating.
  • Hydrazinolysis and partial acid hydrolysis were used to detect amino acids and peptide bonds.

    • Main Results:

    • NMR studies indicated the presence of carboxamide and urea functional groups.
    • Pyrolysis released CO2, H2O, HCN, CH3CN, HCONH2, and pyridine, consistent with carboxamide, urea, and carboxylic acid groups.
    • No basic primary amine groups were detected. Hydrazinolysis released only 10% of expected amino acids, and a positive biuret test was not attributed to peptide bonds. No diglycine was found upon partial hydrolysis.

    Conclusions:

    • HCN oligomers possess carboxamide and urea functionalities, along with carboxylic acid groups.
    • There is no conclusive evidence for the presence of peptide bonds within these HCN oligomers.
    • HCN oligomers are unlikely to have served as a source of prebiotic peptides due to the absence of detectable peptide bonds.