ISSN:
1432-1432
Keywords:
HCN
;
HCN Oligomers
;
Peptide
;
Pyrolysis
;
Biuret test
;
Hydrazinolysis
;
13C-NMR
;
Chemical evolution
;
Primitive earth
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Summary NMR spectral studies on the HCN oligomers suggest the presence of carboxamide and urea groupings. The release of CO2, H2O, HCN, CH3CN, HCONH2 and pyridine on pyrolysis is consistent with the presence of these groupings as well as carboxylic acid groups. No basic primary amine groupings could be detected with fluorescamine. Hydrazinolysis of the HCN oligomers releases 10% of the amino acids normally released by acid hydrolysis. The oligomers give a positive biuret test but this is not due to the presence of peptide bonds. There is no conclusive evidence for the presence of peptide bonds in the HCN oligomers. No diglycine was detected on partial hydrolysis of the HCN oligomers at pH 8.5 suggesting that HCN oligomers were not a source of prebiotic peptides.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01732676
Permalink
