Ok,
I'm really interested in organic chemistry, and so to brush up on my skills, I decided to see if I could find a way to build an RNA enzyme from prebiotic chemicals. Theoretically of course.
So, the first step was to make some ribose. Now, I believe that using the
Formose reaction using Pb (II) as the catalyst, one can make aldopentoses like ribose in high yield.
However, that would require methanal (H
2CO). The only ways I know how to make that is as follows:
Method 11. CO
2 + 3 H
2 ’ CH
3OH + H
2O
2a. 2CH
3OH + O
2 ’ 2H
2CO + 2 H
2O
2b. CH
3OH ’ H
2CO + H
2
The problem is, this appear to require a heavy metal catalyst (like Ag or V). Also, one of the above pathways requires oxygen, which most assume didn't exist freely in prebiotic earth.
Method 2
1. 3CO
2 + 12H
2 ’ 3CH
4 + 6H
2O
2. 3CH
4 + 3O
2 ’ CH
2CO + 3H
2O
But this method also uses oxygen, and exotic catalysts (like V and Se).
So, does anyone know a way to make formaldehyde/methanal without requiring oxygen and catalysts? I think the best bet would be to look for alternative methods for the dehydrogenation of methanol, to see if we can get some room temperature reactions going (UV light or electric sparks?). Or do I have to 'appeal to space' to send me some on comets from oxygen-rich areas before I can make some ribose?
Once we've done that, then we can start talking about getting some hydrogen cyanides to make nucleotides.
As for forum section, methinks Origin of Life would be the best bet to get the organic chemists involved.
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