Formation of the Interstellar Sugar Precursor, (Z)-1,2-Ethenediol, through Radical Reactions on Dust Grains

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: In recent years, the continued detection of complex organic molecules of prebiotic interest has refueled the interest in a panspermic origin of life. The prebiotic molecule glyceraldehyde is proposed to be formed from (Z)-1,2-ethenediol, a molecule recently detected toward the G+0.693-0.027 molecular cloud at the galactic center. In this work, we computationally simulate the formation of (Z)-1,2-ethenediol from vinyl alcohol on the surface of amorphous solid water in a two-step synthesis involving an OH addition and an H abstraction reaction. In total, we considered all reaction possibilities of the 1,1- and 1,2-OH addition to vinyl alcohol followed by H abstraction or H addition reactions on the resulting radicals. The combination of these reactions is capable of explaining the formation of (Z)-1,2-ethenediol provided a suprathermal diffusion of OH. We also conclude that our proposed formation pathway is not selective and also yields other abstraction and addition products. Key in our findings is the connection between the adsorption modes of the reactants and intermediates and the stereoselectivity of the reactions.

Source: The Astrophysical Journal

DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/ad6f9a

Authors: Juan Carlos del Valle, Pilar Redondo, Johannes Kästner, Germán Molpeceres

Language: English

Topic: Astrophysics and Star Formation Studies

Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $4,499

Funders: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, Okazaki National Research Institutes, Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Agencia Estatal de Investigación, European Social Fund

OpenAlex ID: W4403272831