Some heterocyclic compound formation under hydrothermal conditions: implications for prebiotic chemistry

Abstract

The hydrothermal system is considered to be one of the most possible environments for the origin of life. Here we report a hydrothermal reaction from phenol and alanine to four important heterocyclic compounds, 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran ( 1 ), indoline ( 2 ), indole ( 3 ) and 2-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline ( 4 ). This reaction suggests a prebiotic route to synthesize the heterocyclic compounds which could be precursors for the chemical evolution of life.

Straightforward Creation of Possibly Prebiotic Complex Mixtures of Thiol-Rich Peptides

“…They may react with sugars at the anomeric position or at other positions (as they do currently at the 3 and 2 positions of the terminal adenosine of t-RNAs).They may also react with many other acids to give diverse amides (different from peptides), just as aspartic acid takes part in the de novo synthesis of inosine, for instance [14]. Many heterocycles would also be present [15,16]. Thus, starting from a great multiplicity of Life 2023, 13, 983 2 of 16 components, an incredibly messy mixture of molecules would have formed-most of which were not relevant at all to the development of life.…”

“…Life 2023, 13, 983 2 of 17 aspartic acid takes part in the de novo synthesis of inosine, for instance [14]. Many heterocycles would also be present [15,16]. Thus, starting from a great multiplicity of components, an incredibly messy mixture of molecules would have formed-most of which were not relevant at all to the development of life.…”